In Favor of a Semi-Sheltered Life

Can you believe this hydrangea was blooming up until the freeze?

Look at it!

This determined plant has enjoyed a certain amount of sheltering.  It is tucked into an interior corner of the house where a small bird sanctuary has been created.

One brick wall to the west shelters it from the storms that track this way. But there is no overhang, so rain comes down upon it.

One brick wall to the south shelters it from the Southern summer heat.  But the kitchen roof slopes down to bask it sunlight.

A large barberry shrub to the north shelters it from the chilling winds.  But the breezes come through to dry the water-loving leaves.

All that stands to the east are bird feeders and the sun.  The morning rises to give it first glow and to gently warm the the walls as the sun ascends. The birds bring company and an eager appetite for the seeds we provide and the bugs that just are.  We hear the birds scamper through the undergrowth; their tiny feet and beaks keep the litter lightly turned.

We all need a semi-sheltered life.  Experience is good and all.  Adversity brings profound and lasting changes.  But a life graced with the semi-shelter of the care of others-- that life can find such growth, such blossoming.  Shelter by fortune or plan, for short or forever.  Thank you, Lord, for Your shelter.  May my heart, my life, be shelter to others.