Honeysuckle Moments

Living here in the Ozarks, I see beautiful scenery nearly every day. The rolling hills, springs, bluffs, waterfalls, trees, lakes and meadows all offer amazing vistas. A drive to town can be a glorious experience, as at the top of the next hill or around the next curve a delightful view is waiting to awake my senses. Springtime in the Ozarks is a visual feast. Red bud, Magnolia, Dogwood, Forsythia, Lilac, and numerous other flowering species are all bursting out of their winter sleep to reveal Spring's majesty. Birds are returning to build their nests, offering me a treat as I drink my morning tea. Even at night there are interesting things to behold. A deer coming to the bubbling brook for a drink. The red fox scurrying across the road on his nightly foray for a snack. I endeavor to make note of these marvels and to be thankful for the landscape around me.

However; sometimes I don't see the tapestry laid out before me. I am too busy rushing around, depositing children at this appointment or that. I am too distracted to see the abundance all about me. My mind is focused on my to do lists and the deadlines and appointments on my schedule. I am a robot on auto-pilot methodically completing my tasks. The beauty around me is obscured by the stress that I feel as I am pressed to meet every one's expectations. Much of the pressure is internal as my lists usually contain more that I can accomplish in a day.

It was a day such as this last week as I was dashing hither and yon. I had dropped my daughter off at work had run some other errands and was heading back home. I had just crossed the bridge over the lake. I hadn't noticed the scenery. The boats, the fisherman, the gulls were all there, I am sure they were, they always are. I had not noticed the pattern of the waves or the fountains and fire at the Landing. I had noticed and been annoyed by the traffic. I was numbly driving along. I wasn't conscious of any real thought.


I was just trying to get home. Trying to get to a place where I could rest. I got to the stoplight on my side of the bridge. Waiting, waiting. Turn green already. Okay, now let's go. Go! I said. I turned the corner and started up the hill, I was now back in my distracted fog. Not noticing the beauty of the vine and wildflower bedecked bluff beside me, not noticing the lake on the other side of me. Just driving. Then it happened. A sweet smell met my nose. It was light and faint and then stronger. Honeysuckle! Mmmm! I love the smell of Honeysuckle.

The light, sweet smell of Honeysuckle. It isn't jarring or harsh, it doesn't shake you. It just wafts through the air and tickles your olfactory nerves. It says "Hello, I'm here." I was arrested by this unassuming fragrance. I wanted to stop, to find some, to pluck it, and take it with me. I scanned the bluff beside me, there it was. In full bloom, an amazing quantity. Wow!

I had to keep driving. No where to pull off. But, everything had changed. I was no longer numbly driving along. I was no longer in a sub- irritated, get- it- done and get- it- over- with mindset. I was suddenly free. My thoughts were lifted. I was now cognisant of the beauty around me. I now saw the bluff, the lake, the fountains on the other side. I now saw everything in a new light. This wasn't just another ordinary day.


This experience took me to an even deeper revelation. Not just of smells and sights; but of the condition of my heart. Here I was rushing around, numbly trying to complete my obligations, and not only was I not involved with my surroundings, but I was not involved with my heart. I was in a disconnected, distracted, and unconscious state. I was not listening for cues or instructions from the Lord who shares this house I live in. I was in a chaotic, yet mindless state.


As the Honeysuckle caressed my senses, I was aware of another Presence. This Presence too, was light and sweet, not jarring and demanding. He spoke to me in gentle tones. "I'm here." "I can help." "I am available." "I would like to spend some time with you." These subtle reminders brought home to me what we forfeit when we don't look to Him continually for strength, for guidance, and for fellowship.

Paul's admonition to the Thessalonians to "Pray without ceasing" included more that the occasional ardent prayer session. He was speaking of the practice of opening your heart to God on a moment by moment basis. Allowing Him access to your inner-workings and decision making processes. He desires fellowship, communication, and communion with us all the time. Just think how much less stress we would experience, and how much more success in our endeavors if we took the time to get His input and wisdom.

Wishing you Honeysuckle moments of your own!
Shauna Bagenstos