It is an absolutely beautiful pond - and fairly large (200 feet long and probably 40 feet wide). Lots of trees and flowers and bushes around it - tall enough that you can't even see the house when you're in it. It's like going to a completely different world. There are all sorts of birds that live in the trees around it, and it's currently filled with several frogs, lots of fish, and an AMAZING number of polliwogs to investigate. The pond has a sandy bottom, and is spring fed, so it's good for swimming or fishing (though we haven't actually fished it - we will at some point though, I'm sure.)
I wanted to share a picture of our whole pond, but I couldn't find one, and I've unfortunately misplaced my camera, so I couldn't take a new one. Anyhow, I DID find this picture I took of my husband and son in it (a good four years ago). I'd estimate that this picture shows about one-third of the whole pond.
Behind where my husband and son are in this picture is a little clearing where we can put towels and flip flops and stuff. The water is also quite shallow at the end of our pond, so the kids can play in the water without getting in "over their head," so to speak. The pond is fairly deep in the middle (at least 15 feet).
It's amazing how kids can be at each other's throats all morning, but take them out to the pond where they can toss leaves in, play in the water and dig in the mushy sandy bottom and they're best friends again. It's amazing how I can start out grumpy, and head out to the pond and be absolutely mesmerized by God's creation, His goodness to us for giving us this wonderful place to live, AND the blessings of seeing it not only through my eyes, but the eyes of my children.
As I work on my non-fiction book, I am constantly reminded of the difficulties that our family has gone through over the past five years (yup - it will be five years next month!) since Marc had that migraine. We dealt with brain surgery, financial struggles, unmowed lawns, repeated trips to the hospital, no definite ride to the hospital to give birth, and so many more things. But in every case, God provided.
And he still does. It's often easier to remember God's provision when it feels like it's the only thing that's keeping you going - when you're in the midst of a huge trial. But the reality is this: whether your life is a catastrophe, bursting with blessings, or somewhere in between, God's provision is the only thing keeping you going.
Don't forget to thank the Lord for your many blessings - whether in the middle of your trials or in the midst of "good fortune." He provided every bit of it.
Jo - thanks for the picture and description of your pond. Can I come visit? Would love to! Oh my! I am so thankful that God has taken care of Marc, you, and your kids. He loves you all so much and has marvelous plans for you, just waiting to be delivered! Of that I am positive!
ReplyDeleteWe have a pond, too, and my kids have spent many hours playing there. (although ours is squishy on the bottom) I'm so thankful for the simple things in life that bring me back to the Lord, too.
ReplyDeleteBig huge AMEN! Yes, HE has done great things!!!!
ReplyDeleteGod IS the only real provision we have, for everything that comes to us comes from His hand. I love this article, Joanne. Thanks for blessing me with this beautiful devotional. (Wow! What a pond!)
ReplyDeleteJoanne, this was wonderful! I want to come and play in your pond! Thanks for including the picture - it really looks beautiful. I'm so glad God is providing for you and your family. He really is so good at taking care of us - just like a good Daddy! :-) I just have one question though. What is a pollywog?
ReplyDeleteWhoa! What a beautiful pond! I would love to have something like that in my backyard. What a great place to sit and get writing inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your blessings with us. It's good to see God working in the lives of you and your family.
So cool, Joanne! A trip to your pond sounds absolutely lovely!
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