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A gentle breeze sweeps by the luscious fern overflowing from its hanging container. A random butterfly flutters from flower to flower in the abundant deck garden. The rooster crows and manifests for all to hear that his domain lies before the listening ear. The fresh coffee brew invigorates the taste buds as we take in the majesty of the Creator’s landscape. Fresh in the morning dew a backyard squirrel scampers about for what he might scavenge while avoiding the detection of the slumbering pup. Gratitude overflows this beating heart for another dawn has broken and another opportunity to discover more of God’s grace has arrived. The raging presence of stiffness and pain has subsided and an agenda of activity is about to unfold. Thankfulness will be the fuel that ignites this heart to embrace the arrival of each moment in the presence of a loving Lord.
The glow of the pre-dawn shone through the window as I became consciously aware that one leg was hanging over the side of the bed with a toe touching the floor. Suddenly, I was wide awake. Instead of trying to find another place of quiet comfort between the covers I found my way to the kitchen and the light of the stove clock indicating I had roused from my slumber an hour before the clock was to alarm. Undaunted, the normal routine of the day was engaged as the dog received her due attention with a run in the grass. As the sun rose over the eastern horizon gratitude engulfed my consciousness. A thankful heart whispered its acknowledgement for the grace that is another day. Another opportunity to discover possibilities that lie ahead is spread before me as the intended agenda for this day begins to consciously unfold. Today’s physical impediments are not obstructive barriers but rather recognized traveling companions on this journey of discovery.
The warmth and humidity engulf us as we sit under the canopy covered deck. Without the slightest movement perspiration emerges from the glands to cool this resting body. A wipe away or a decline in temperature will restore the comfort that once was a cooler clime. In much the same way the persistent pain that has emerged over the last twenty four hours seems to have engulfed my presence. The throbbing ache emerging from the lumbar region seems to be a persistent but unwelcome squatter who reminds me with every step that he demands attention. Exercise and stretching have had little effect in deterring this annoying intruder. Just as life must move forward in the presence of the humid air, so this one, for now, must move forward even in the presence of the painful visitor. In the midst of the emerging irrational anger comes the reminder that “this too shall pass.” This impatient life traveler gives thanks for the memory that these periods of near debilitating aches give way to freedom of movement without the nasty intruder. Gratitude is both the gift and the giver for therein lies a pathway to new horizons!
Emerging from the rear entrance of the Cajun restaurant in which we enjoyed a delightful meal, the rain began to pummel as we darted to the car. Navigating a strange and “uniquely” arranged parking lot in the midst of a torrential downpour proved to be a daunting task. After multiples of turns we were once again on the road to the farm. Just before the traffic light signaled its green glow for our direction, a massive truck hauling an eight foot diameter twenty foot long conduit turned onto the road in front of us. Added to nature’s downpour was the massive mist and back-splash of the enormous cargo in front of us. As we traveled ever so cautiously in a northerly direction to the farm the clouds began to clear and we could see ahead the glow of the full sun calling us into brighter light. As the traffic permitted we gracefully passed the impeding cargo as we joyfully traveled through the beautiful landscape now illuminated and glistening in the light of the late afternoon sun. There are times when PD symptoms seem to make their way into my path to impede my journey. Impatience with them serves little purpose, but recognizing that there are glimmers of light on the other side of those impediments gives purpose to enduring them for a while until the opportunity arises to leave them in their own mist. Experience has taught me that each day is a journey and that the One who holds the future is the loving guide to the destination.
Clouds hover as the heat from the sun is reserved for space above the mist. The landscape still showers us with its beauty and grace as the verdant green of grass and trees bursts forth in the mist of the day. All is quiet this day as even birds and road traffic seem to have abandoned their posts. Stiffness and pain seem to have made their way in with the rising of the sun. Perhaps overindulgence in activities of late or perhaps it’s just the cycle this boomer body is to expect on the disease process road this one travels. At the edge of dawn I was taken by a moment of complaining to myself followed by a reminder that I have neither the right nor reason to be complaining about anything. Loved by an everlasting God of grace, provided with a sheltered place to sleep, and sustained with food and opportunities to minimize the effects of disease, I was suddenly turned from groans to gratitude. I am thankful that the choice to praise outweighs the propensity to pity.
The forecast is that today will be the hottest day in several weeks. An early morning rise and attention to chores routine and periodic has rendered tasks completed and behind us. Now we are free for those things which give us passion (writing and reading) and a planned adventure this afternoon through the local Science Museum. That visit has been on our summer agenda, but has been relegated to near the last of adventures for our granddaughter before she leaves for her return trip to her home in Florida. Gratitude brightens this boomers heart that we have had a summer of activities that have been engaging and instructive for Vanessa. She has embraced her adventures and engaged each with excitement and openness to learn and enjoy. Disease symptoms still exist, but during this summer I have learned how to place them in perspective as present but not consuming. Thankfulness is an elixir that needs no consumer warning. Its side effect is a brighter day!
Fog shrouds the landscape in a way that makes the trees and gazebo appear three dimensional. Light is just beginning to break through the mist on the eastern horizon. The days are beginning to become slightly shorter and the time is approaching when the summer will be over. The presence of our granddaughter over the past few weeks has been a gift to cherish. Little did I know that being busy with “horse camp,” riding lessons, numerous appointments and just plain banter and chatter would be the frosting on this summer pudding. Soon her teenage years may distract her, but for now I choose to focus on the joy we all share in experiencing life with the wonder of youth spewing forth exuberantly. Whether the result of physical therapy, warm weather, the distraction of pre-teen agendas, or all of the above, the symptoms of my chronic ailment have seemed to demand less attention. I am possessed with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of creating fond memories for my granddaughter and for the flexibility to participate. The potter is not done with the clay and I am thankful to have been a witness to the Master Craftsman at work.
The day has begun with a bright and intense sun glowing over the horizon. Accompanying the intense orb is a level of humidity greater than ninety percent. A venture out of the air conditioned and artificial climate of the abode renders one soaked in one’s own fluid as though venturing through a rain forest. Just a few days ago it was cooler and dryer than the norm and pleasant to be enjoying nature’s embrace. In a short few days the forecast calls for yet another reprieve from the intensity of the heat and humidity that zaps energy and multiplies the use of the shower nozzle. Whether hot and humid or cooler and dryer, we give thanks for the opportunity to be enjoying the presence of the Creator’s love. As we ponder the troubled world experienced by so many, we pray for individuals to know the peace that defies understanding when lived in the presence of the giver of grace.
Jonathan Swift is credited with stating “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” Struggling with the experience of frustration at keeping a clean abode I dread the exercise of house cleaning. As I clean one space I notice another that needs attention. Given only a week after cleaning to a semi sparkling state I notice the need for another pass of the dust cloth. Reading, writing, some cooking and exercising to build strength for smoother movement are passions and acceptable tasks this boomer engages with ease. House cleaning is NOT on this bud’s list of joys to engage. Frustration was building as steadily as the layers of dust on the mantle. Then it occurred to me; I’m a sow’s ear! It is unreasonable that something for which I have never had a passion nor enjoyed would somehow miraculously emerge as a source of satisfaction at having accomplished. A silk purse I will not become and the sooner I accept that being a sow’s ear is perfectly logical and natural for me the better off I will be. Pursuant to that profound pondering we started investigating the cost of silk purses with built in propensities toward cleaning. At last, I can give up the notion of “must be” and live in the peace to “just be” how I’ve been so miraculously made!
Cooler and more moderate breezes flow today through the trees and garden here on the farm. This is such a welcomed reprieve from the scorching high humidity days experienced just a week ago. As a child growing up here before the days of central air conditioning and heat, the windows in spring, summer, and fall were opened wide to accept any breezes that might blow through to keep the heat from overtaking us. Most of the time in those years was spent out of doors, working the fields, playing with friends, or exploring the streams and springs under the canopy of the forest. Although chores were consistent, there was always time for discovering new and different ways of enjoying the hazy days of summer. Indulging the cauldron of memories of those youthful summers stirs up a delightful aroma of gratitude that permeates today. Morning chores completed, this boomer can now bask in the sheltered breeze with a good book and thankful memories that become a vital part of tomorrow’s recollection.