Dear Friends,
On the last Saturday of May, I drove to Rochester’s Durand Eastman Park to walk along the lake shore. There’s a wonderful string of beach walkways there. I love this stretch of shore, the breezes, the sound of the water, and the sky and lake views of blue and gray.
As I drove into the park, I was disappointed to see a large yellow detour sign. Soap Box Derby preparations had closed part of Lakeshore Boulevard. Reluctantly, I followed signs to a twisting park road. Looking for an alternate walking path, I stopped at a small field of gnarly old fruit trees, just past their flowering. I walked around the sunny field, visiting each tree and reading any remaining faded metal tags.
The sun was quite warm. At the edge of the orchard clearing was an attractive shady glen of tangled trees and bushes. I approached the tree pictured above. Standing in its cool shade, I was inside a world of dappled liquid green. After a while, I resumed my orchard walk, but returned twice to stand in the shade of this glowing green tree.
The photo lives on my phone screen and I smile each time I see it. I imagine that you, too, have memories of gifts received on a life detour. Join me in praying that we keep recognizing these gifts. Even on a path unchosen or a road that’s painful there are visions that bring refreshment and joy.
In hope,
Susan Schantz SSJ
