Each month Chronic Joy Ministries shares a poetry prompt on their blog. For the month of April the theme was Windows and Trees. I love looking out windows and I love trees, so it was a perfect prompt for me.
Gazing Through the Windows
Sunday afternoon I was sitting in the living room, relaxing and looking out the windows at the trees waving in the wind. A friend had sent me a YouTube link to Keith and Kristen Getty and their family singing hymns from their living room. They made the video to encourage families to sing along with them in their own homes.
As I gazed out the window they began singing “This is My Father’s World.” How appropriate for this poetry writing prompt! The excitement of the Getty’s daughters was contagious as they sang out with all their hearts. As part of their video we were treated to a video call with Joni Tada. During the call they reminisced about singing hymns together, then joined their voices in song.
The combination of the music, looking out on nature and writing my poem, all helped turn my focus to God.
It helped me begin to praise Him and even brought a few tears to my eyes. I shared with some friends that I didn’t know how much I needed that time of relaxing and hearing the words of the hymns. It was healing in a way. Here is my finished poem:
Windows and Trees
I gaze out through the windows
while resting this afternoon
music plays and my eyes see
beauty ev’rywhere
Trees sway in the wind against
the backdrop of clear blue skies
as sun shines brightly after
thunderstorms last night
Pine trees no longer lonely
greet hardwoods awakening
from a long winter’s rest time
wearing new green leaves
Birds and squirrels and even bugs
frolic among the branches
of the forest on the hill
full of hidden life
~gsw~
Comfort in Nature
There is a comfort in nature as the seasons come and go exactly as planned, repeating every year. The sun rises every day while the moon and stars are visible in the night sky. Trees lose their leaves and then new growth appears over and over again, year after year.
Genesis 8:22 (CSB)
As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, and day and night
will not cease.
As I look at the beauty in nature I am reminded of the Creator. Knowing that God is in control, that nothing happens outside of His knowledge, I don’t have to fear. Whatever God has planned, will always come to pass, and nothing will thwart His purposes.
Psalm 33:11 (CSB)
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart from generation to generation.
Wherever you are I encourage you to take time to stop and look out the windows. Notice the strong, tall trees. Find the beauty and give thanks to our Creator God.
Maybe you can write a poem about windows and trees. Be sure to check out the post at Chronic Joy where they even give suggestions to get you started.
I’m linking up with: #Grace&Truth
Yes, yes. I find comfort in nature. The hummingbirds, yellow finches, purple petunias, yellow marigolds, gentle swaying branches of the willow tree and so much more. God’s creations are awesome. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend!
Yes, all of God’s works are awesome! I love the hummingbirds, but it’s been a few years since I had a feeder on the porch. Maybe I’ll get one again. I love listening to the wood thrush. Their song is so beautiful. Blessings to you, Melissa!
Even though I am not an outdoorsy person, I do love looking at the beauty of nature. I have seen that video by the Gettys and Joni but have not watched it yet. Soon! I agree about the comfort of regular seasons. I was just looking at Romans 1 about seeing God’s hand in creation.
Yes, you don’t have to be an outdoor person to enjoy the beauty. 🙂 The video was really uplifting, esp with the excitement of their girls. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Barbara. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem, Gayl! Truly, our Lord has created so much beauty to help us look up to Him. It is our Father’s world, and He holds us all in His hand. Even in the hardest of trials, He still is here with us. There is no place where He is not present. Blessings, hugs, and love to you my dear poet/sister/friend! xoxo
Yes, even in the hardest of trials, He is with us. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem, dear Bettie. I just love writing about nature and thinking of our Creator. I’m so glad we can encourage each other and pray for each other through our trials and our good things. Much love to you with hugs and many blessings! xoxo