A Timeless Response
Scripture: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to visit gardens. I am forever enthralled with the beauty of a well manicured garden. It doesn't really matter what time of year you visit either, there is always something unique and lovely to see. I am never disappointed.
Japanese gardens have a special nature about them. The designs are layered and hold rich symbolism. Today I visited Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL. The advertisement claimed it was one of North America's highest quality Japanese gardens. It was the dream of John Anderson who first began birthing this garden in 1978 along a swampy section of Spring Creek in his backyard.
After over 40 years and countless hours of design, building and manicuring this exquisite garden held for me some personal beauty and reflection. I visited in peak fall color, but imagined that even the budding of spring after a cold Illinois winter would be lovely. There is a water basin within the garden that has some Japanese characters which when translated read, "I seek only to be content."
Contentment is what I have been asking God to give me for some time. I don't want to be content only for a season, but instead I want it to be a theme throughout my entire life. Yes, seasons change and the scripture assures us that there is a time for everything. However, as I strolled through the garden I felt a deep contentment as was intended by the designers. Contentment is a product of gratitude no doubt.
It is easy to feel sorrow when change comes, but like the garden needs changes in season to bring about beauty and dimension, so does life. Without different seasons and change, life would be without depth and perspective.
Anderson Gardens are open every day. I hope to return there both in the dead of winter when the pond is frozen over and in the spring as the foliage breaks forth. Much like the seasons of our lives change, there is always beauty to be seen and appreciated. If you are in a season of life in which are not content, look for ways in which to experience contentment. Revisit a place or memory where you were content and allow God to remind you of His faithfulness. Contentment is a choice. It is a way of life.
Leslie Stephens
Winchester, TN by way of Rockford, IL
Prayer: Designer of the Universe, You have given us seasons. Show us the beauty in each season of our lives and bring us to a place of deep contentment. Amen.
Prayer Tip: Sit in a beautiful spot and use all your senses to absorb the experience. Feel the rhythm of your breath. Breathe in contentment and joy. Exhale anxiety and stress. Visualize God filling you with contentment.
