Respite Wednesday

Live Simply.
Love Generously.
Care Deeply.
Speak Kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

~~ Ronald Reagan ~~

The buzzards have gone. Fresh breezes sweep the gardens clean of the foul that once lingered. The birds and squirrels and butterflies have returned to play amongst us as we gambol through the cool days of Fall. Finally, Summer has packed away her 90-degree temps allowing us to play under Fall’s chilly cloud cover. And we do so with glee.

Gloria has plans to move to the regular ward today (farewell ICU), Gary’s back has relaxed and the pain subsided enough for him to return to working and all the rest. My “housewife hands” (all inflamed with a rash from too much soap-and-clean activity of late – my therapy) soothes under a natural salve, and my household sleeps late and peacefully after so many rollercoaster days.

We have handed it all over to God and He has replaced our worry with peace.

We are blessed.

Lydia, having turned 14 a week ago Monday, said:

"Being 14 is hard so far . . ."

Lydia with sock-doll gifts created by Rachel

Already, she shows wisdom and awareness of the adult world of cares; the remnants of childhood flutter in the winds of change.

BUT . . .
it is too early to be careworn -- too soon to say goodbye to carefree and childlike. So, we have set out to nurture the fading blossoms of youth in all our lives, ensuring a broadcast of sweet child-like seeds far and wide to fill all of our days with wonder and joy and blessings from our Father, as we remain His loving children each and every day.

For starters, we will experiment in the kitchen with a new recipe for banana-sourdough muffins and we will likely pair these goodies with a frothy mug of cocoa on this crisp Fall day. We will play in the gardens in the sun-warmed afternoon as we rake acorns by the bushel-ful and call it play rather than work.

With the stacking of wood and the raking of leaves and such it seems Summer has fled, but then I feast my eyes upon the roses all abloom and squeal with delight that so much color and fragrance and beauty burst forth despite my retreat into the world of adult worries and fears. Buds of sweet promise accompany each gorgeous bloom with a hopeful message for tomorrow.

Encouragement lies in every corner of this verdant life . . . I just hadn't stopped to see it amidst all the smoke of fear.

Today is RESPITE WEDNESDAY.

We are back at play here at Wisteria Cottage and it feels fantastic!

My new book Screen Doors and Sweet Tea arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to crack it open late this afternoon as I rest on the deck in a crackly wicker chair with a teacup at my side.

Truly this will be a fine Respite Wednesday . . .
because we have chosen to rest in Him.

Return unto thy rest, O my soul;
For the LORD
Hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalm 116:7