I Came Upon Morven Park in a Downpour I had visited previously, but never on a Jane Austen day. It made me feel like Darcy – galloping across the fields of his estate with his black curly hair, tophat, riding coat, and favorite horse. A few differences exist, such as my lack of ownership of Morven Park and the fact that I was shirtless and on foot, but those small differences did not prevent me from feeling like I owned the world that day. Joy flowed over me like the rain coming down my face. I smiled freely. I loved Morven Park from the fist time I drove down the long winding tree covered drive to the big white house. Beautiful mature trees grace many acres of flowing fields. Such an expanse is requisite for a house of significant size to fit in. Placed at the foot of a tree covered slope, the manor house commands a lovely view of Eastern Leesburg. I would not have ventured up Old Waterford (eating a few wineberries on the way) if it had not been for the Godshower. A sudden rain does one good; it tells of God’s greatness. Jesus calmed the storm, but God brought it about. I abandoned my plan to ride my bike from Catoctin Circle to Ashburn when it started raining. Let’s just say my baby-blue shorts tucked neatly in my backpack were in danger. But once I stowed my bike and pack in the car, I set out for Morven Park. How quickly do I forget that rush of pleasure and crackjaw smile of pure delight. I felt the joy of God that day with my favorite puritanical Scotsman. I love rich ice cream, the grandeur of Yosemite, the act of falling asleep, and running through a Virginian estate with time on my hands. Have you experienced joy lately? When did you last dash out in the rain to laugh uproariously? And if you have a chance, visit Morven Park the next time you frown at a weather forecast. morvenpark/ (no pictures! sorry. word picture: gravel drive with trees lining it and woods on either side across fields)
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 03:56:53 +0000
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