Whispers and Prayers of a Summer's Day

As a child I delighted in disappearing into a secluded spot wherein I could read and hide whilst the heat of the day cast her spell.

These HOT August days always bring out the kid in me . . .

Of late the signs of summer spill all around me

From the Rudbeckia on the deck,
shining brilliant gold against the deep blue pots,

To the rosy orbs of garden sweetness
filling the cobalt colander on the counter,

And on into the "Summer Holiday" look of the kitchen.

"Who's manning the helm?"
this clutter seems to cry out!

But how can one stay indoors and work through the heat of the day? Such times were made for a book and an icy drink sipped from a comfy spot in front of a cooler or fan.

And when the heat has passed over, leaving a veil of coolness in the gardens, who can resist the urge to run and drink in the fragrant beauty of a new flush of roses?

Or the heady aroma of the fleeting lily pink . . .

Or white?


Surely God never intended this much fragrance to be wasted out of doors while I am held captive soaping up soiled saucers inside.

And so I run and jump and dance and play in the margins of a Summer's Day. As for those heated middling hours? I'm off to the library booksale for more printed prizes to help while away the heat with adventure, travel, deep pondering, lavish feasting, and so much more.

But . . .

Before I go I must share a whispered prayer with you. My yearly visit with the doctor yielded a battery of A+ results from the various tests, save for one -- my white blood cell count appears to be dwindling into a troublingly low area. It has been a gradual decrease over several years and since it does not accompany any other sign of problem, the doctor believes it may be just a natural "aging" component for my body. Without a family health history to consult my sweet doctor must consult impersonal statistics.

In three months the blood work will be repeated and I ask you, my dear friends, to join me and my family as we pray for an increase in the count. There is a slim chance that a medication I take for a slightly elevated blood pressure may be the culprit. That medicine shall not be taken between now and then, so I also pray that my pressure will remain steady and normal through this time of waiting for the white cells to regenerate to a normal level.

I cannot say this has not sent some upset into my life. But I trust my God on these new pathways into these high places that I have not visited before.

The LORD God is my strength,
And he will make my feet like hinds' feet,
And he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Habakkuk 3:19

Funny, when my children have faced health challenges (then and now) I instinctively rely on God's strength for His powers far exceed mine, and the twisty pathway I follow consumes all of my thoughts and actions as I reach up and out to help my child. Now that the trouble lies deep within me I have been stunned a bit . . . in denial, maybe, as I weigh the words and face the possibilities.

These past few days I have not blogged, but rather busied myself in the cottage routine, the family meals, and the simple pleasures of baking bread, braiding tresses, and smiling over candlelight at my loved ones as we dine in the glorious balm of a summer's eve.

How blessed to pause and drink in the fragrance of summer, knowing the Father's hand placed the very fragrance of the lily there for me to enjoy this very day. Much to my surprise, I had forgotten how stunning the view afforded from such High Places . . . a truly joyful place to be, so long as I keep a safe distance from the edge.

Thank you for your prayers, dear ones.