A Symphony might be comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.
Symphonies bring forth sounds that are meant to move both heart and soul.
Sitting in a grand symphony hall I not only hear unique melodies but I also watch carefully as each musician provides a measure that adds to an explosion of my senses.
The strings may carry the tune for awhile before they pass it to another section. The percussion may maintain a steady beat or might even jolt us awake with its tympani.
No instrument stands alone throughout each masterpiece.
A symphony is meant to impact each of us through the variety of instruments that blend with one another to complete the composition.
I listen to varied notes and tones as they weave their refrain through each set of instruments and bring forth a plethora of beauty.
In my mind, a good symphony draws from the designated composition a colorful mix that seems to translate into a tapestry of color.
In the same way the changes in weather that come forth in September offer that same symphony of sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and so much more.
This year our very dry summer welcomed a two-day splash of rain that brought cooler temperatures at the beginning of the month.
Just a splash.
All done.
It was enough to soak the roots of our forty foot tall Leland Cypress that reigns over our small back yard and towers over the meadow below.
This splash of rain was just enough to welcome the rose and peach Echinacea I planted for Fall.
It was enough to soak the peach, gold and maroon Mums planted to replace wilting Hasta.
Rain cleans the air and seems to refresh everything it touches.
Temperatures drop and winds blow cold.
What happened to summer?
An autumn glow pops above the layers of green that mingle with our roses and winterberry bushes filled with berries ripening to bright red.
A tangled mess of Oregano, Russian Sage, Spearmint, Tarragon and Chives that weave through our gloriously colored bushes look as if they belong that way.
Our meadow, about forty feet down the hill from our garden, adds a jolt of color as weeds begin to bloom in majestic golds and yellows. This maze of foliage dances around a few twenty foot tall trees in the middle that sprang up unintentionally. The entire meadow comes alive with new sounds and magnificent color in September.
Cicada sounds kept us company all summer.
When the rain came their sounds died back but now we hear very loud Cricket sounds that never stop. Some nights the noise is so loud I linger a little longer before falling asleep. When I wake in the wee hours of the morning I am greeted by their never-ending rhythmic screech.
So why do I think of this seasonal change in the garden as if it were a melodious symphony?
I am reminded of God’s creativity in creation.
God gives a few people the gift of creativity as notes are laid out on paper and then, in time, translated to various instruments. In turn, these instruments, when working together in harmony, give those who listen a beautiful gift of music.
In the same way, God’s creation in a variety of seeds brings forth that same symphony for the senses in my garden.
Seeds planted.
Blooms born.
A variety of seeds spring forth varied shapes and colorful blooms that slowly grow and mature.
The vibrance of Spring fades a little in summer but returns with a renewed brilliance by September.
These fall colors remind me of God’s power to give us more than we could ever ask.
Symphony Sounds and seasonal garden colors work together.
I listen to a symphony as my eyes gaze on my garden’s September brilliance.
I grasp each moment with every one of my senses and plant God’s beauty in my mind as a treasure to cherish.
All my senses are, indeed, a treasure.
For instance, I am very myopic and cannot see detail easily even with glasses.
Yet, I see the blaze of color in the garden.
My hearing is more pronounced as I listen to the whirr of insects, birds and butterflies flitting about.
I love to taste my herbs as I pick them for flower arrangements and for drying.
Taste and touch seem to work together as my senses embrace the surrounding sights.
My need to pay attention to the changing beauty around me has not come easily.
I tend to get stuck in details and linger too long on the computer.
My friend, who is losing her sight, reminds me to look up at the clouds and trees, to linger just a little longer in the garden and drink in beauty that will remain in my heart long after the garden has died.
In the same way, I concentrate on the melodic refrain of a symphony and tuck the chain of notes into my heart as I hum these woven threads of beautiful sounds.
No matter the ‘symphony’ I am reminded to appreciate the senses God gave me to absorb the beauty that surrounds me.
Each month is precious but right now I delight in the September symphony that surrounds me as cool breezes wrap around me.
I’m reminded of the verse of scripture, “Delight in the Lord and what He wills for you and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
My heart swirls skyward as I seek a deeper desire for God’s will to direct this September symphony that sings in my soul.
