Yellow Pollen Cloud
Spring has sprung here in the Lowcountry. A few weeks back, the days were filled with warmer temperatures and the budding of blossoms. The heat rose like a fire pit waiting for hot dogs and marshmallows. Residents wondered if summer had arrived earlier than usual.
Days later, cooler evenings and mornings returned. Blankets that had been stored away in the closet were brought out and returned to the edge of the bed.
Sweaters and jackets were worn again. Breezes turned to wind and Spring announced it was here to stay for a bit. Summer would have to wait its turn.
Watching the azaleas, camelias, and roses shiver in the cool wind was a sight to behold. Some people covered the new buds with sheets. Morning sun provided enough warmth to remove the sheets.
This week, the weather is back to normal for the coast of South Carolina. Most trees and flowers have burst forth with bright colors to enjoy. Tulips, jonquils, hyacinth, and more plants are creating a beautiful landscape in the neighborhood.
I love flowers and all their beauty. Our hummingbird feeder is placed near my office window so I can see the fast moving birds.
Yet, there is a problem with warm temperatures coming too quickly.
Pollen.
The dreaded yellow pollen cloud that accompanies new growth of flowers, trees, and plants.
Standing outside on the sidewalk, I looked to the end of the street. Saying out loud, “What in the world is that? Is that smoke?”
No, not smoke. The yearly yellow pollen cloud had arrived and was here to stay for weeks.
Porch furniture turned yellow. Sidewalks were covered with the pollen so thick that you could see footprints when a neighbor walked to the mailbox.
Sneezes could be heard from yard to yard. “Bless you.” was said over and over.
Now, a few weeks later, the pollen continues to cover the porch furniture, sidewalk, and yards. Thankfully, the amount of the yucky stuff is lessening. Thank You Lord.
When I think about the process that brings the pollen, I remember the journey of growing in faith. Just like the blossoms and buds who try to reach for the sunshine, we grow in faith as we reach for the Son. Our faith grows. The plants and trees grow.
God created the people. God created the plants. Our call is to love God and love each other. Taking care of nature shows God our love for Him, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.
Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.
With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.
This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.
Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.
With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.
As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”
Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.
I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.
I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.
All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”
My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.
Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.
Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.
For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.
God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.
A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.
Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson