past
As the dawn appears the mist rises from the surface of the pond. The mist is like the memory of what was. The pond water retained its heat much better than the chilled air that blew in overnight. Hanging onto its remnant of warmth in air that yesterday was warmer the water is forced to give up its past in light of the present. All is not lost as new and greater warmth will soon arrive to bring revival to the chilling water. The mist of memories often clouds the discoveries in a new day. Sometimes opportunities to enjoy the offerings of the present are obscured by the prism of the past. A frank acknowledgement of those lingering memories along with an offering of gratitude for having experienced them sparks a bounty of thankfulness for what is yet to be discovered. Clearing the shadow of yesterday broadens the lens through which today may be experienced!
The bright glow of the morning sun streaks through the kitchen window illuminating the old Hoosier cabinet that stands as evidence of many years past. Gleaming now in its well worn state it still stands as harbinger of spices, kitchen supplies and a few seldom used pans. Almost unnoticed at other times, this handsome relic seems to shout its long lasting utility on this sunny spring morning. Childhood memories of my mother sifting flour from the built in bin as she began the preparation of homemade biscuits begin to flow. Inside the roll-up cabinet face was once my baby bottle from which this then two year old would take his fill. Deep in memory is the warmth that permeated the kitchen as the wood cook stove was heating up for the meal preparation under way. Long gone are the stove, the flour, the baby bottle and the loving hands that showed mastery of them all. Still lingering are the warm memories flashed upon the mind’s screen by the bright glow of the sun this spring morning. Midst challenges to maintain and even regain physical flexibility from a winter’s repose, thankfulness for the blessings already amassed fuel hope and gratitude for what is now and what will come. “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24