“Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe them, and try to follow where they lead.” Louisa May Alcott
Four years ago, we moved to our present home in north Louisiana after we renovated a 1936 house. We found the original hardwood floors and beadboard ceiling. It came with such nice features like the tall ceilings, old doors, and wooden shutters. What I didn’t realize was that it came with other treasures.
The first year I watched a brilliant tree outside my bedroom window come to life from the winter freeze to the spring and summer sun. A tree I had never seen before attached to our property—an inheritance from the former owners, a gift from God.
Grancy Greybeard Tree! Have you ever heard of it? I love everything about it. All the seasons. The cardinals have made it their courting tree and bring their families each year. Since basking in its beauty, I’ve searched for its likeness in other yards. But I’ve only seen them in the woods, secluded from society.
I love nature and the always surprising beauty. The former owners left me other surprises such as two lovely pecan trees and irises—white, purple, and yellow. I know I can’t thank them in person, but surely, they know what joy the additional beauties of nature still bring. Thank you, God, for the inheritance.
God is in the beauty all around my house. I just have to open my eyes and soul to see and appreciate it.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Thoreau
Have you found an unexpected inheritance at your fingertips?
What a lovely story! I have enjoyed seeing your tree also! I like how you think of it as an inheritance from previous owners, makes a connection among people who have shared a love for the same space at one time in their lives. I inherited some garden beds already formed and prepared. I inherited from purple flowers and some red cannas that attract pollinators. I inherited some beautiful shade trees. Thank you for helping me to stop and be thankful for these blessings rather than disgruntled for some of the complications this vegetation has caused.