Garden Reflection

     It's a very good thing to be stubborn. Well not all the time, but persistence does pay off.  I could read the exasperation on my husband's face as we circled looking for a parking spot. We found one a little walk from the entrance and made our way to Herman Park. The Japanese Garden is snuggled into a quiet corner that borders Fannin Street.
     When you enter the garden, you walk along tree lined paths bordering koi ponds. There are pale lavender iris scattering the banks, lotus in the water and beautiful crimson umbrellas of Japanese maples.

Sky koi

It was a hot, humid Texas day. The sweat rolled down my back, but the stillness caused the sky to meld with the water perfectly, as if for one moment heaven and earth met.

      A large white crane landed while I sat on the bank. In Japan, the crane or, tsuru, symbolizes longevity, good luck and fidelity. Cranes are monogamous breeders and a symbol of marriage. Their image adorns traditional wedding kimonos.http://asianlifestyledesign.com/2012/05/asian-symbolism-crane/

Resting crane in the middle of photo

      Gardens can be powerful places for contemplation. Just as the sky reflects in still water, our thoughts need stillness for reflection and connection. George Bernard Shaw said,"The best place to find God is in a garden.You can dig for him there." The soothing sound of tumbling water, a muffled stir of leaves and an unexpected visitor bring a gentle quiet. What if God is always speaking but we are never listening?  Time spent in a garden can encourage a still mind and nourish a receptive heart.