“But there is another kind of seeing that involves a letting go. When I see this way I sway transfixed and emptied.”
These words from Annie Dillard swirled around inside my head. Just like the leaves swirling around outside my head.
Walking, pausing by this serene lake. Gazing at the trees marching into the glory of their season.
I ask the Creator of this all. Will you give me those kind of eyes?
Like my camera lens, He zooms in my attention, my focus. After looking up and out against the big picture of blue skies, distant sailboats, majestic trees. I look in. I look down.
Small acorns not known at first glance pop out. Subtle reminders of tiny turning into strong.
A few remaining dandelions having gone to seed. Waiting for someone to make a last wish upon them.
Docks pulled up on shore. Nestled in for their long rest.
God in my stretched acre. Paradox of his transcendence and imminence captured in a moment for my soul.
Transcendence marked by the vastness, the greatness, the power of creation.
Imminence whispered by small objects that lie in waiting. Revealing tenderness, closeness, dependence.
I let go of what I am suppose to see. And let His eyes become mine.
I stand swallowed up by his grace and his closeness.
Fall’s ambassadors revealing the beginning of our adventure.
Toes near the water. I ignore the signs.
Hands outstretched.
I say yes. Let’s go.
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Opening quote is from Annie Dillard’s book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. I absolutely love her way of writing. I’ve recently been re-reading the book and this line had stuck with me the last few days. Today God showed me why.
She also has a book titled An American Childhood regarding growing up in Pittsburgh. Now that I have moved here I thought I should read it! Seriously, go read her. You can find her books here.*
This post is Day Five in 31 Days of Noticing Fall. You can read all the posts here.
* Contains affiliate links. What does that mean? I’m an Amazon affiliate. I receive a small percentage on purchases made through the link.
Pictures taken Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania. 10.4.12
Melanie
You and I share a love for Annie Diilard’s writing with one of my favorite authors, Phiilip Yancey. I have not read much of her work, but loved the little I had. I first came to know of her work through a book by Mr Yancey, What is so Amazing about Grace. Thanks for sharing your letting go of the normal and entering into the mystery of our Lord. Fall reminds me so of that eternal truth of life out of death, beauty out of ashes, strengh out of weakness, less to have more, sowing in tears to reap in joy, etc. I think you get my point. Thanks, dear friend.
Blessings
Mia- That makes me think I haven’t read Phillip Yancey in a while. I’ll have to go take one of his books off the shelf. Thanks for sharing fall with us, while you are watching your own spring of South Africa. I sure am glad we have connected through this blogging world!
Annie Dillard is a new author to me. Trust me, I’ll check her out:))
Let me know what you think 🙂 She writes very reflectively, observing nature, surroundings etc. When some overall (but not often explicit) themes of faith. Get to meet you soon 🙂