Finding Our Verdure

Dear Reader, 

Today I was reflecting on two seemingly opposing concepts: 

One is sadness. 

The other is refreshing meditation. 

Yet, upon reflection, I believe that recovery from the sadness that can take root in our own thinking may sometimes be found in the divine greenness that surrounds us. 

When sadness settles over us like a heavy cloud, we may not know why. Nothing seems terribly wrong, yet joy feels distant. Our first instinct is often to fight the feeling, analyze it, or run from it. These thoughts can immobilize us and leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, from others, and from God. 

My experience in recovery has taught me that these are precisely the times when we need to pause and take refuge in the gifts God has so freely given—the cool, quiet shade of a tree, the gentle breeze, and the beauty of His creation. 

I am reminded of a quote by Jane Austen: 

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." 

I am also reminded of the words of the Psalmist: 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." 

Both Austen and the Psalmist speak of green places where the soul finds rest. 

In truth, the green life of trees, grass, pastures, and growing things reminds us that refreshment is not always found in solving our problems. Sometimes it is found in simply sitting still long enough to notice that life continues to grow around us. 

The trees do not hurry. 

The grass does not strive. 

The flowers do not worry about tomorrow. 

Yet they grow. 

So when sadness comes, perhaps we need not demand immediate answers. Perhaps we can sit beneath the shade, breathe deeply, and remember that the same God who causes the fields to become green again has not forgotten us. 

Recovery has taught me that difficult feelings are often visitors rather than permanent residents. They arrive, stay for a season, and then move on. The heart, like a garden, has winters and springs. 

Today, if sadness walks beside you, find a patch of verdure. Sit quietly. Listen to the wind. Feel the warmth of the sun. Let nature remind you that growth is still taking place—even when you cannot yet see the harvest. 

The green things around us whisper a simple truth: 

Life remains. 

Hope remains. 

And so do we. 

May we each find our own patch of verdure—a place where God can restore our souls. 

Amen 

🙏🏻🧘‍♂️💕🤗☮️