An online friend - a committed Christian - is undergoing some tough surgery today. Events like this always make me pause to think and be grateful for the fact that - for today - I am not facing any challenges; on the contrary, I am deeply fortunate. Today my life is full of abundance in so many different ways.
I am not a Christian - I do not practice any one religious faith - though I strive and hope to learn from many. But this morning, in gratitude for my own good fortune today and holding my friend and all her friends who care about her deeply in my thoughts, I also went to church. I entered my local Cathedral of the Trees, which is always available to me, simply by stepping out of my front door; the place where I make contact with all that I think really matters. This is where I am most closely in touch with, and give thanks for all of the Creation of which I am one tiny part.
These images are some of my prayers - this post is my song of praise.
Disturbing one of the locals - if you can see him!
My Cathedral of the Trees
Mosses, liverworts and lichens all still growing abundantly on a broken branch.
Stagshorn lichen
'Now where did I leave that acorn?'
'Aha! I knew it was in there somewhere!'
New tree plantings - sustainability in action.
A wood pigeon returning to nature in the circle of life... Go well, little creature.
A muddy path - or the water of life? (I think both, of course).
On the path - a mini-riverbed left where torrential rain coursed down in the storms of the last few weeks.
Beautiful natural birches alongside Forestry Commision planting.
A fallen log providing homes for thousands - can you see all the little doorways?
Who said there was little colour in wintertime? Everywhere, today - glorious greens and golds.
Nature gives us all the above...this is what we give back to Nature. I think we can do better...
Plain weird and wonderful - mature ivy trunk climbing up an old tree.
Wending my way home down the nave of the forest.
Wonderful pictures, and a hymn of praise as you say. Trusting that your prayers for your friend will bring strength and comfort to you both.
Posted by: Weaversjournal.wordpress.com | Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 18:56
Love this :)
Posted by: Jamie | Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 20:51
Beautiful cathedral. God is so very present in nature - it's where my soul is often restored and prayer comes easily in my heart.
Love the pheasant - he blends so well into the landscape.
Posted by: Lorrie | Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 03:41
A post after my own heart. I shall try to write as beautifully as you.
Posted by: Her outdoors | Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 08:47
A beautiful cathedral enriched by your photography and writing. Truly a post after my own heart also.Love the birches and the pheasant!
Posted by: avis | Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 14:19
Beautiful, simply beautiful, thank you so much for sharing words and photos.
Posted by: Debi | Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 08:51
Beautiful post. Love your cathedral.
Posted by: Ellen | Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 19:30
I hope your friend is doing well
Posted by: Gracie | Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 11:38