Wherever you are is the entry point.~Kabir

I decided not to merely pass by the beauty of the fountain like I did most days on my walk. I had a small plastic cube of trail mix in my pocket on a sunny winter day. Instead of going home and eating my snack on the porch, I walked down the grassy knoll to the pond. There is a fountain in the middle of the little body of water. I can see the fountain from my bedroom window, but I can't hear it. I sat down on the grass, took the trail mix from my pocket and began to savor the raisins and almonds and tiny squares of dark chocolate. I listened to the delicate sound of water as it sprayed from the fountain and gently plummented into the pond. I felt such contentment, the sun's warmth on my face.

Lately, I'd been focused on life's uncertainties. COVID, sorting out retirement, relationships, finances. All of the negativity blurred together in my mind. Sitting by the fountain, the musicality of the water seemed to invite me, instead, to appreciate the beauty I'd been witness to of late. Beauty that fueled happiness. Like the fountain.

I thought about my week. I'd experienced such bountiful images. I'd gone into a store to look at home decor. The owner said, "Don't mind my dog. She may bark." I could see a feathery tail curling up and around the counter. "I see her tail." I smiled. The owner said, "Jump up here, Luna, and say hello." Then to my joyful surprise, the dog stood on her hind legs and placed her two front paws on top of the counter. She wore a pink collar, and her slate-blue eyes emanated serenity. I reached out to pet her silky ears and she licked my hand. "She's a beauty," I said. "I love her name."  

Other days I enjoyed watching a well-written mystery, Foyle's War. I relished a bout of hilarity with my two daughters. That kind of laughter that shakes you to the core. Tears streaming down your face, trying to catch your breath. Then laughter tumbling from your depths all over again. That "best medicine." 

I'm reminded that God is good to provide entry points wherever we are, the door of beauty being one of them. And He is very beautiful, the way He strengthens us, the way His voice never ceases to illuminate our lives. Our fears, our loneliness, our brokenness, our longings and hopes never faze Him. He is for us, our destiny assured with Him. Our freedom intact, our hearts entwined with His.  All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.~Psalm 36:7-9