I lived at 3750 Apple Way for almost twelve years. In all those years, I grew only a small patch of Impatiens. They were dear to me. A sign of hope. A small victory in an otherwise unkept yard.
I live across town now, in a home I tried hard to avoid. My husband and his former wife shared this abode for well over a decade. But God had other plans and we moved in a few days after Christmas, in a deep mid-winter that stretched well into spring.
As the weather thawed, however, daffodils grew and yellow blossoms lined my driveway. Dogwoods and azaleas lit up the front yard soon after. As I took photos today, I discovered a deep burgundy iris I'd driven past several times without noticing.
And all the while I've thought about Donna, her life of color, and the beauty she left behind. Every spring an array of color will unfold in this yard. And every year, the colors of her soul will shine through those who knew and loved her well.
She left a kaleidoscope of color - which leaves me wondering what I will leave behind.
"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love..." (Col. 3:12, 13, &14)
Donna wore love and God's colors showed.
