I remember getting up before the sunrise on the day a year ago. I could see the fog below and it was surreal. The previous day had been a beautiful but difficult hike up to O’Cebreiro. This seemed like even more reward for the previous day’s work.
And then the sun rose. It was spectacular. As is often the case, pictures don’t begin to capture the beauty.
This is a picture of yellow poplar trees, also known as tuliptrees, from our hike at the Arc of Appalachia yesterday. The tree is a member of the magnolia family and is named for its tulip-like flowers. The tree is valued for lumber due to its fast growth and straight grain. It is a “pioneer ” species that grows best in forest clearings left by storms or abandoned fields.
As I read about these trees, I could not help but make a connection to the Apostles as we read about them during the Easter season.
Tuliptrees in Miller Nature Sanctuary
This photo is actually from several years ago when we traveled to Israel. It is a view of the Sea of Galilee from Tabgha (near Capernaum). In my mind, I can Jesus waiting on the shore for the disciples to return from fishing to find to find a charcoal fire waiting for them (John 21:1-14).
Sea of Galilee
I love seeing an image where rays of sunshine are visible in the picture. Such a reminder of God shining upon us.
Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey. To those who suffer, God does not provide arguments which explain everything; rather, his response is that of an accompanying presence, a history of goodness which touches every story of suffering and opens up a ray of light. [Pope Francis]
Railroad Hiking Trail, Lake Mead, NV
Our feeder is out and we are awaiting the return of our hummingbirds.
This time last year, we were in the process of preparing to hike the Camino. Part of the preparation was to go for long hikes. This photo was from a hike we did at John Bryan Park.
One thing we came to understand is that our Camino began well before we got on the plane headed to Spain. It included the time thinking about and preparing for the trip. Our time in Spain would not have been the same without the time spent preparing.
The same can be said for our spiritual Camino, the journey each of us is making. God has been preparing us for this moment, probably long before we know it.
John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs
When I see bubbles, the word that comes to mind is joy. I’m sure part of the reason is seeing the joy that playing with bubbles brings to Mr A. Maybe it’s the association between champagne (“bubbly”) and celebrations.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11
Signs Along the Way 