Winter was very cold and long this year. There were two or three nor’easters and plenty of ice and snow. In the midst of it, I came down with bronchitis and spent almost two weeks on the couch.
I never missed a day at the park though, even the day a nor’easter and the bronchitis hit at once. I laid there staring, remote in my hand, lemon tea within reach, trying to gather strength, wondering if it was even possible. Eventually I would dress, grab my umbrella and move slowly to the car. I made no other demands of myself other than to show up and acknowledge God.
One might think a barren park, a cold, windy rain, a sick, weak body and a hacking cough would be enough to dull the glow of God’s presence, but He was there glowing. He was mingling with the foraging deer and immense, bare trees. I heard Him in the echo of a goose, calling the others across the pond . Even in my weakness, in the winter’s desolation, the presence and power of God was made clear.
Storms and plagues, the bleakness of winter, even in these things He continually renews. I would be well again, the spring foliage would crowd the trees, there’d soon be goose eggs along the banks. Nothing had changed, all was sustained and held, preserved and enfolded in the love and greatness that is God.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Meeting God at the Park 