breeze
A breeze from the north carries the mist through the old chestnut tree as it sways in response. The weather is signaling a change as the early pangs of the fall season begin to arrive. Autumn will soon arrive bringing a kaleidoscope of forest leaves that will signal farewell to summer days of early morning and late evening sun. This early change requires only minor adjustments in daily routine. Soon we will see the need for even more adjustments to accommodate the changing clime. Likewise, changes in daily routine are required as the insidious disease called Parkinson’s insinuates itself more deeply into life’s experience. The inclination to not challenge self to move frequently and often seems to be accentuated at the arrival of cool and rainy days. Intention followed by action, however, frees the inclination to embrace another experience. Gratitude for the ability to engage movement that opens opportunities both today and tomorrow is the springboard to agility. Thankfulness is the well from which the thirst for joy is quenched.
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 hanging fern swings gently in the morning breeze as streams of light shine through from the rising sun behind it. Early morning chores have given way to a time of reading and reflection. Not satisfied with just one there are currently three books in various stages of completion. The morning experience has become one of recognizing the presence of blessings. Thankful for an evening’s rest and filled with gratitude at the sight of another day, the morning serves as a time of gainful renewal, refocusing, and rejoicing. This diseased body is not symptom free, but mornings render it symptom-less as agility and flexibility open the door to greater ease of movement. Parkinson’s disease is noted for its progressive nature and I have experienced some of that progression over time. I have witnessed and heard about it [progression] from others who are similarly inflicted. Yesterday has passed and tomorrow is not promised. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
A breeze blows from the northeast even as the temperature rises in the wake of increased humidity. Perched comfortably in the lounge chair on the open deck one hears the cackling of the laying hens and the crow of the commanding rooster. Summer has fully bloomed on us and warmth is everywhere. Gazing through the walnut trees to the open pasture beyond brings joy knowing that nature’s course and natural rhythm has brought forth such beauty. The stage is set and the curtain is now opened on the display of characters about to live out today’s production. Some folks will observe the day as living critics deeming the performance engaging and exciting or dull and mundane. Others will recognize that they are the characters called to center stage for the production called life and will with gratitude will take the lead, fully engaging all the props necessary. May the script you live today be on target with the Master Playwright and His unbridled grace.
The autumn breeze was bone chilling even as the direct sunlight seemed to move west. The months of planning and the days of hurried and exciting preparation were behind us as we gathered for the focal event. The surroundings were beautifully displayed as nature’s grand expression for the lives of two young lovers being united before the crowd of family and friends there to witness. Attention to the beauty of the newlyweds superseded the chill that surrounded as everyone basked in the warmth of the love being expressed. Two people joined together as one family witnessed by extended family members that truly like each other added to the joy of the occasion. Gone were the days of preparation and anticipation as the moments of love expressed now filled the shelves of fondest memories. Music, dancing, dining and friendly chatter each took its place as the event flowed seamlessly into the glow of the evening. As the newlyweds drove away to their first night as family, those remaining reminisced fondly at the day’s events and the joy experienced. The planning and preparation had yielded its bountiful harvest. Gratitude now resides in the place called memory.