Today was clean off the porch day. The corners were full of leaves and clutter. I have decided I am not a hoarder, I’m a devoted clutterer! Found things in the leaf piles I didn’t know were missing. Thank goodness for leaf blowers! Did not see Balthazar, the big king snake in the leaves, so maybe he’s moved away since Kat is on critter patrol now. Youngest son said, “Wow, nice to see all your chewing gum papers together.” I need to spank that boy! I had put them in the cup holder in the swing and they had blown all around the porch. Took P’s playpen off the porch and washed the porch with the hose pipe. I am pooped. Put dinner in the oven and now have time for a little pondering.

Soon as I sat down in the porch swing to perch a while, I watched a spring azure butterfly light on a hot pink rose bloom. Such a glorious watercolor print from Mother Nature and God’s paint brushes. Never seen spring or summer azure butterflies till today. Had to get my butterfly guides to identify the little butterfly. So beautiful when the sun flashed on his wings as he took flight. Watch for them in your yard, so beautifully dressed in azure blue, a treat for the eyes.

One of the old magnolias across the street is showing out decorating herself with fragrant white flowers. I climbed that tree as a child as high as I could go, calling out to my mother if she was sitting on the porch. She’d sternly holler for me to get down. The bottom branches have been pruned so I can’t climb and I can’t reach up to break off a blooming branch. Haven’t had magnolia perfume in my house since Chief died. He’d walk over and break a few branches for the dining room punch bowl. The blooms make the house smell so good. Going to try and find a flower low enough to break off tomorrow.

Reading about magnolias I learned the fragrant blooms symbolize hope and resilience. We can compare the beauty and hope of our faith to the magnolia’s flower. The magnolia tree has a period of dormancy and experiences a renewal each spring when it begins to bloom. When we face difficult times we can bloom in adversity with the strength of the Lord. Our faith can offer us a sense of peace and hope. Magnolias are strong and weather storms well. Faith, when we truly believe and put our trust in God, helps us learn to persevere through life’s challenges. The Lord gives us resilience and strength. We can stand tall and firm like the old stately magnolias when God stands beside us.

Magnolias are also associated with purity and nobility. When we live a Christian life we walk a pure and dignified path aligned with our faith. Magnolia trees are symbolic of God’s beauty and his presence. The magnolia stands tall and strong enduring nature’s storms. We can stand tall as Christians letting our words and deeds reflect God’s love and grace. We can bloom as gloriously as the magnolia with God in our hearts.

“Life is simply a mix of mayhem and magnolias, so embrace this gentle riot and gather flowers along the way.”— Kat Savage