Even a wounded world is feeding us.  Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy.  I choose joy over despair.  Not because  I have my head  in  the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the  gift. — Walt Kim

Opening reading chosen and read by Amy W.

Entering Bethea’s garden can take my breath away.   Today it did–its colors, textures, vegetables, its spaces empty and full. Conditions for thriving so carefully put in place, tended.  As I paused on the path to admire the whole array, I saw a brown wren hopping from the dianthus pink and fragrant, to black-eyed Susans, to vibrant zinnias, stopping to look closely at the blooms along its path.  A bumblebee circled above magenta cone flowers, landed right in the center of one.  Dragonflies lingered on top of bamboo trellises, flew off, returned.  I couldn’t help but wonder if, besides searching for breakfast, these beings were pausing like I was, to admire, to fill up their souls preparing for another day of life’s heat.

Photos and reflection by Amy W.

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I spent a good amount of time in the peace pole garden today. The message on one of the poles really struck me as timely:  ‘Fight for whatever you care about, but do it in a way that makes others want to join you.’  — reflection by Walt W.

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I have to focus on every positive thing to get through my days [overall life, and work challenges].  I find the bits of joy wherever I can. In this world of unadulterated hate, we can choose.  We can choose joy, helping. — reflection by Kim F.

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I was unavailable to Walk in Wonder this week, but thought I would share a bit of the joy and wonder of our lowcountry’s magnificent clouds! – photos by Nancy L.