Finishing

 

I'm waiting expectantly

for this morning's sunrise.

Hoping to be filled

with luminous light,

and a few creative words

inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Starting with receptivity.

Finishing with gratitude.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

Morning Celebration

for Rob Beahan

He was loyal in attending

the ceremonial dawn,

and the grand announcement

by the sensational sunrise:

"Here is your brand new day!"

He hoped to be a dedicated witness

to the slow development of morning.

To be captivated by the subtle way

that light mates with color.

He planned to be present

at the creation of each new day;

to witness the pageant,

to be in the audience,

a part of the morning

celebration.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Moran, Wyoming

2. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

Approach

 

Approach each day

with eager anticipation

for the gifts

we are about

to receive.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

2. Sunset Beach - North Carolina

Each Day

During the long list of days

that has made up your life,

have you noticed how each one

opens differently?

And how each day's close

is never the same?

No matter the number of days

you have accumulated,

each dawn and sunrise

should be a surprise.

Every dusk after sunset

should leave no regret.

Cloud formations grow then dissolve,

changing by the minute.

The water in the mountain stream today

is not the same as yesterday.

This week's wildflowers will be dying

when next week's  begin to blossom.

And the birds?

Each and every day of their short lives,

they unravel their sweet songs,

and live.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Telluride, Colorado

2. Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

3. Goodwillie Environmental School - Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

 

Answers

 

When God asks:

"What did you do

with the gifts

you were given?"

How will you answer?

Will you have a

relevant  response prepared?

Will gratitude for

the joy of birdsong

in the spring

be included?

Or the intriguing sound 

of water trickling under 

the surreal patterns 

of paper-thin ice 

on a winter stream?

Did you take some time

to gasp in awe

at the spectacular sunrises

that brightened your many mornings?

Were you mesmerized  

by the absolute silence

of a dark night

while under the domed ceiling

of ancient stars?

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan

2. Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

3. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

4. SaddleBrooke, Arizona

lavender

silhouette of elms

lavender tint to morning

welcome rising sun

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Boulder Creek Golf Club - Kent County, Michigan

May You Walk V

May you walk along the ridge
above spring-green aspens vibrant in the valley. 

May you walk between clumps of sage
scattered and spaced over red dirt deserts.

May you walk among dense, dark ferns
unfurling on the floor of the forest.

May you walk under pillars of Ponderosa Pine, 
and inhale the aroma of butterscotch-vanilla-honey. 

May you walk, upon waking, in the morning woods
vibrant with the voices of vireos. 

May you walk on the ocean's sandy shores
resplendent with the rising sun.

May you walk through the seasons of your life attentive and alert,
with a joyful sense of gratitude.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Peaceful Valley, Colorado

2. Canyonlands National Park - Utah

3. Cinnamon Fern - Home Woods - Kent County - Michigan 

4. Pinesdale, Montana

5. Yellow-throated Vireo - Home Woods - 

6. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

You may also enjoy: 

May You Walk III  - July 20, 2015

May You Walk II - January 12, 2015

Dawn Gives Birth to Color

Observe:

The white-brass
color of the skies
before sunrise.

Dawn gives birth to color,
warming earth's edge,
where soon the sun
will break the horizon.

The gradual growth
of this morning
into this day.

Remember:

This ordinary moment
will be etched in memory.
The authority of God
proclaimed in new creation.

Even if you were here,
no words would be spoken.

The illumination of dawn
asks silent praise
for the generosity
of our uncontainable God.

©2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Snake River - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 

4. Manatee County, Florida 

5. Grand Teton National Park, (GTNP) Wyoming

Tides

tides work endlessly

measuring the flow of time;

immeasurable

©  2014  Richard Havenga

CLICK on photos to enlarge.

Photo Location:  Sunset Beach,  (Sunset) North Carolina (North Carolina) 

Plutarch

Click on photo to enlarge.

Photo Location:

Sunset Beach,  North Carolina