September Joy
There is a joy in a foggy morning walk, when all is quiet and still. Nature’s perfume is so much more redolent when the day is new. The only sounds are the wind in the trees and birds chirping, a distant dog barking for his breakfast, the lowing of the cows in the pasture up at the top of the hill. The solitude offers the chance for me to appreciate God’s creation with my love. We walk along in silence, stopping to point out a particularly lovely plant or bird. Industrious spiders and the morning mist have worked together to hang exquisite pieces of lace between strands of wire fencing.
There is a sweetness in the air from wild lobelia and honeysuckle growing in the verge - and the unmistakably heady scent of ripe concord grapes and elderberries. It’s a scent that is intensely reminiscent of Saturday mornings with my grandfather. He’s passed from this life these 20 years since, but he’s right by my side on my morning walk. I can almost hear him say, “Look up, Nissa! There’s a big bunch” as he takes the bucket we’ll fill to take home to Nana for making jam.
The asters that are blooming remind me of my father, whose birthday is this month. They are so much like him in my mind. They always just look happy to see you, and expect nothing from you, though they do appreciate being noticed.
The weather is ideal for playing out-of-doors, especially in thrifty denim overalls and tops. Sunbonnets and bandanas help keep the still-strong sun from burning tender skin in the mildly cool air. The thump of a ball being kicked, laughter and squeals from six children, goats’ voices and clucking chickens all together make a beautiful noise. I’m so grateful that I have them all day every day. All too soon, the cold will come and more days will be spent indoors, but for now we’ll take a few last days to wiggle our bare toes in the grass.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walter Rauschenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
I pray that your day has been filled with simple joys and a million reasons to be grateful. Thank you for sharing mine with me!
