A flash of harmless lightning,
A mist of rainbow dyes,
The burnished sunbeams brightening
From flower to flower he flies.
~John Banister Tabb, Roman Catholic priest,
poet and professor of English
Tabb’s description is of a hummingbird, but it could be said as well of bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, hordes of which I’ve seen of late. Gulf fritillaries and an assortment of swallowtails have been flitting around the garden for weeks. Then today I spotted the first monarchs which means their migration from Canada to overwintering grounds in Mexico has begun. I’m guessing the reappearance of the dragonflies is because recent rains have filled their breeding grounds again with enough water for their nymphs. The bees are back in greater numbers because the cooler temperatures are encouraging more and more blooms, and as for the hummers, two or three at a time have been coming to our feeder since early August.
John Philip Newell says, “the inclusion of creatures in the garden of God in Genesis is pointing not simply to the outward dimension of the creaturely realm. It is also showing something of the way of God’s seeing or sensing. . .” That’s why I I love my garden. It’s not just about the flowers. Spending time therein lets me be near all God created and keeps me wanting to know more of the Lord and that which is important to Him.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. . .” ~Job 12:7-8 ✝
Sacred Touches 
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Natalie, I enjoyed and can relate to what you said about visiting the garden. You picked the perfect verse and poem to go with the lovely picture and your peaceful prose.
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Thanks, Wendy. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. It’s always good to spend time with the Lord in the garden, isn’t it? Blessings, Natalie
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‘I come to the garden alone ~ while the dew is still on the roses.’ 😉 (I hope I remembered that old hymn correctly…)
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You did remember it well and what a lovely image it paints. It’s one of my favorite things to do too. Have a great day! Blessings, Natalie
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How do you find the poetry you include in your posts? They are always so beautiful.
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If they are not in a book I have, I put in a search on the internet. For example, if I’m need something about hummingbirds, I’ll ask for quotes or poems about hummingbirds. It will then come up with several websites to go to, and you just have to read and look until you find the one you like best. Blessings, Natalie
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If only I had time! 🙂 I do enjoy the poetry you find.
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I’m glad you enjoy the poetry I find. Maybe one day you’ll have time. It’s only now that I’m retired that I have time to follow such pursuits myself. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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