Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Tag: Nature

  • Towering Acquaintances

    Towering Acquaintances

    It is our custom to walk the same path several times a week.  It is a 2.5 km trail that follows the river and twists and turns through a forest.  We have been walking this trail for many years; never tiring of the ever changing weather, landscape, flowers, shrubs and trees.

    This trail has been a stay point in our lives.  First we walked it with our small children in a stroller or carried on our backs.  We have photos of them proudly holding their first salamander, snake or crayfish.  There is the ‘Raccoon Tree’ and the ‘Owl Tree’, both having been the resting places of their namesakes. There is the tree that lovers have carved their names into for over 60 years and the tree that grows out of a big rock.

     As each of the children returned home from University they would join us for this evening stroll discussing future plans, hopes and dreams.  Now they return with their partners and we happily welcome them into our family routine. 

    One special stop on our evening stroll is a particular tree.  Nearing the end of the trail is a little pine tree that looks entirely out of place.  Somehow, the wind carried a tiny seed which managed to plant itself under tall deciduous trees.  With determination this seed dared to root, grow and stake claim to a small spot near the river.  We have been cheering him on ever since!  At first his tiny trunk was thin and bendable but now; due to strength gained from strong winds, heavy snow and from being trampled upon, he is strong.

    Last winter we dug him out after a snow storm and were thrilled to find him reaching up to us! It was then, impressed by his tenacity and persistence we gave him a name; Percival.

    Percival is a mighty fine name for such a small specimen of life.  Percival was one of King Arthur’s Knights at the Round Table.  Legend has it his courage and strength made him a hero; this little pine tree has risen to the heights of his name.

    On Sunday evening we paid Percival a visit.  We were relieved to find him at his tallest and as I ran my hands along his soft needles I decided to snap a photo.  Someday I will share this photo with my grandchildren and be able to share the story of Percival’s humble beginnings.

    I once asked members of a congregation if they could email me photos of their favorite trees.  It was amazing the photos I received.  One woman sent me five photos of the same tree spanning 3 generations; photos of weddings, birthdays, and family reunions all taken under this same tree.  Another woman sent me photos of a tree her son had planted on his first day of kindergarten and every first day of school they snapped a photo of him by his tree.  In the last photo he was in his graduation gown with the tree towering over him.  I also received photos of memorable Christmas trees and trees that held unique tree houses.  Each of these trees had their own stories to tell.

    Trees are one of God’s greatest creations; a steadfast in all our lives. So, do you have a favorite tree? 

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • A Thieving Neighbour

    A Thieving Neighbour

    Photo by Kulli Kittus/Unsplash

    We have a thief in the neighbourhood.  I know this with certainty because we have caught him, not once but twice, red handed!

    The first time was a Wednesday evening soon after supper.  He was so engrossed in his thievery that he didn’t notice as I drew close enough to almost grab him before he darted away. 

    That evening one of our latest mysteries was solved.  We had been perplexed as to why the hummingbird feeder was empty each morning despite being filled the night prior.  We watched as he greedily lapped up the nectar with much gusto.  We marveled that such a small fella could drink so much.

    Only three days later we again caught this culprit as he continued his crime spree in our backyard.  This time it was the oriole feeder that he unabashedly emptied into his tummy.  For those who do not know what an oriole feeder looks like, it is a round plastic feeder with little divots on top for placing jam and its bottom is filled with hummingbird nectar. 

    This little fellow had climbed the narrow bird feeder pole and by stretching all the way across to the feeder, holding onto the pole by his toes, he expertly spun the feeder each time he emptied a cup of jam.  We were so amazed by his skill we just stood in silence, watching in disbelief as he emptied the entire feeder.

    Once done and most certainly on a sugar high he darted with unimaginable speed through our back yard, jumped up on the raised vegetable garden and disappeared under the metal fencing.

    Every year our backyard fills with chipmunks, black squirrels and these little energetic red squirrels but never before has there been one so wily and daring.  My concern is that he will be setting a bad example for the rest to follow.

    Sadly, due to this one little rascal’s antics the hummingbirds and orioles will not find a warm welcome.  It reminds me of the saying, “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.”

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Blushing Green

    Blushing Green

    Photo by Atul Vinayak/Unsplash

    Despite the persistent north wind and the mornings of new snowfall, spring is quietly sneaking in. 

    First it was the Tamaracks who gave spring’s presence away followed by the Dogwood and just today the Lilac bushes were whispering it loudly as they too blushed shades of green.

    However, most of the trees have done a great job of hiding spring’s sneaky approach.  There are no buds, nor tiny leaves or signs of new growth.  Despite the date on the calendar they all seem to be contently snuggled in for a long winter’s nap.  

    Thankfully there have been other indications of spring’s arrival.  First there was the bear who wandered through my neighborhood last week.  With a winter size appetite it meandered through garbage bins and emptied bird feeders before disappearing back into the woods.  Second, the celebratory honking of Canadian Geese as they fly overhead, loudly announcing their safe return from warmer climates and third, is the ever more subtle return of the Rainbow Trout.  They quietly swim upstream adding flashes of colour with their iridescent vestments. And of course, one can’t forget the forbearers of warmer days, the busy Robins who are eagerly building their nests.

    Perhaps it is the beauty that I know lies ahead that makes me restless.  Wanting the flowers now, the warmth now and all the green to return immediately! Instead nature takes its time; challenging me to slow down and look carefully for every tiny sign of change.  Nature is a wonderful teacher of being patient and remaining observant.  As Lao Tzu wrote, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

    May we all slow down long enough to savor the reawakening of God’s creation and may it renew in us awe and wonderment.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel