New Palette

After winter's barren palette, dabs of color dot the countryside.

 Magnolia unfurls layers of color with each opening leaf...

hyacinths split the ground and bubble up like purple lava,

and St. Patrick's color returns.

With each new leaf and blossom, beauty is restored to the landscape.

But for me, beauty is not an end in itself;

it always points to its Maker,

the One who leads me by still waters,

Who restores my soul.

And I whisper my thanks.

Linking with Macro Flowers Saturday

Texture by Kim Klassen

Today we hiked in the Devil's Backbone Wilderness Area in the Mark Twain National Forest.  The trail made its way through tall pines and hardwoods and variety of wildflowers, and birds and butterflies were the only other creatures we saw.  We followed a stream to a waterfall that flowed into a pristine pool before we turned back, with a momentary regret, for home.  

Home again, to Don's loving arms and a waggling-tailed dog.  Life is good.