A PICTURE AND A POEM: UNEXPECTED

I bemoaned the rusty, broken pipe
discarded on the ground,
but circling to the other side
surprising joy was found.

For flowers are so beautiful
when held in lovely vases,
but they bring great delight when found
in unexpected places.

The splendor of a garden grows
as it is tended, nourished.
Through weeding, watering, daily care
the crops begin to flourish.

But this plant’s determination
as it seeks the sunlight’s rays
reminds me how much we can grow
in unexpected ways.

In quiet nooks and reverent halls
I feel God’s presence near.
In chapels, churches, I can sense
the Holy is right here.

Yes, I’m aware that God is close,
revealing daily graces
but I love when God surprises me
in unexpected places.

(Photos by Karen; waterfall in Conkle’s Hollow, Hocking Hills)