Fears and Tears

I find myself literally in the desert this first week of Lent. The dry air brushes my face, the sun warms my face, and the cooing of the dove can be heard. There is a simple beauty in the desert. It seems that everything is thirsting for water, as am I.

I had planned this trip for awhile to join my husband as he travels for business, but I received a special gift. My youngest daughter made the trip with me, which I was not expecting.

The Lord knows what we need before we do and He gives abundantly. My daughter is great company on a trip where I would have been alone for the majority of it.

She noticed things that I would have missed, like the cactus that looks like a rabbit. She brings joy in our conversations, in the time we spend together, and in her smile and peaceful nature. I have noticed a visible difference in both of us this trip. We have found happiness.

The birds are singing, the sky is blue, the palm trees stretch tall while their branches sway in the breeze, and the mountains look like camels in the distance. We spend the days by the pool, in the quiet peace, taking in the surroundings. There are beautiful flowers here that have a sweet smell like honeysuckle.

The night sky is beautiful and we are able to see Jupiter, Venus and a half moon shining brightly. The constellations sparkle in the dark sky and it is quite lovely.

I am grateful for this time in the desert and for the gifts the Lord provides in the simple beauty. Where He calls me to empty myself so He can fill me with His love. Where He quenches my thirst in the season of Lent and invites me to spend time with Him in the desert. There is beauty in the desert and it is the Lord.