I’ve been greatly enjoying my new job as the church administrator. The position has been fulfilling and each day brings new and interesting challenges. Every day I am reminded of God’s power and love.

After a few days of heavy rain, a pond formed in the field next to the church parking lot. The field was partially submerged under a significant amount of water with only the top of tall grass sticking up.

The following day, the newly formed pond attracted some actual visitors. A few birds, two ducks with iridescent green heads and brown bodies and a few seagulls, were swimming and frolicking in the water, seemingly enjoying the new lake, just like they enjoy the small pond behind our home.   The next day, a pair of Canada Geese joined the scene, with their distinctive black heads and necks marked by white. Their honking calls echoed, smattered among a few quacks and seagull caw, caw, caws. I was drawn to these sounds of nature, which sounded almost spiritual.  The birds did not stay territorial but mingled, pecking bugs from the water, the plants, and each other’s backs. A few birds playfully chased each other, reminiscent of a kindergarten class at recess. (I, of course, believe they were enjoying each other when, more reasonably, they were adversaries chasing their opponents.) 

 The day after that, to my amazement, the number of birds increased, and the variety had increased as well, with at least ten types of birds with ten types of melodious squawks and squeaks. To add to this symphony, three, vibrant little yellow birds chirp, chirp, chirped, adding their sounds and happy, bright lemon-yellow color. The birds seemed to be having a wonderful time, and their joyful activity brought a smile to my face every morning.

Later in the week, I was surprised to see bright yellow flowers growing up through the water,  adding a splash of color to the tall grass.  In one corner, a cluster of pussy willows stood tall, swaying in the breeze. There were tiny white flowers floating delicately on the surface, likely having drifted down from the newly blossoming bushes surrounding the pond. Water lilies, with their broad green leaves and delicate blooms, dotted the water›s surface, and bees could be seen busily flitting from one lily to another. Butterflies soon joined the environment, briefly sitting atop the pussy willows. I laughed joyously when I saw a turtle sunning itself on a water lily, and imagined the pond full of fish, goldfish no less

 The water did not drain right away as expected but remained, forming a freshwater sanctuary for countless birds and plants. This naturally beautiful oasis, bathed in tranquility, had a profoundly soothing effect on my mind and soul. I could not take my eyes away and went to sit outside during my lunch time to enjoy the view. I do not know why I was so enthralled. The sun›s radiant beams danced across the water›s surface, and reflected an otherworldly, shimmering glow.  As I gazed upon the water and took in the beauty, my heart inexplicably overflowed with love, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.  It reminded me of the Biblical account of the creation of the world, the belief that the universe and the various forms of life were created by God out of nothing.  That thought came to mind because the pond was previously a dry field of grass and turned from nothing into a living habitat. Of course, there are many other more practical reasons why this field of grass turned into a pond, but I am not being practical today, choosing a more ethereal reason that makes me smile.