It is the still, yellow kind of afternoon when one is apt to get stuck in a dream if one sits very quiet.
Dodie Smith
I look forward to a run of still, yellow August afternoons. My weary body tells me it is in need of rest by manifesting symptoms that need attention. My mind is scattered, and longing for an extended period of quiet reflection and prayer. These sweet things are on the horizon but for the time being there are good things to tend to.
I am slow with the harvest and subsequent work it results in; the beets are begging to be pulled and eaten, piles of greens frozen, and beetroot canned. I’ll get there—hopefully before the garden thieves do.
We have started making regular runs to the green grocer to pick up local produce to put up for winter. Yesterday, Gerry brought home twenty-five pounds of green peppers. Some will go into roasted garlic pasta sauce; most will be chopped and frozen for winter use. (Oops, sorry. It slipped out.)
This morning, it’s dark. Thunder rolls and lightning flashes. It will be a cooler day, and a respite from the record-breaking heat of this week. I’m roasting big beautiful bulbs of garlic from my garden, and some of those peppers. We’re looking forward to a cousin visit and brunch.
Later, we’ll head back to the green grocer to pick up twenty-five pounds of Roma tomatoes. My garden will contribute an ample, fragrant assortment of herbs, and sauce-making will commence.
This summer continues to be one of family and feasting—I feel the hand of God’s blessing in this season. If I’m honest, there is also a measure of discomfort because it’s a season, and seasons change. So, I challenge myself to be present in these precious moments, to live in fullness of joy and gratitude for them—but mostly for the Creator who gives them.
Because even if none of these I would be rich beyond measure.
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
John Piper
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This month, I’m posting a link every day to a blog from the eclectic collection I read regularly. Today it’s Katie Butler’s Oceans Rise (https://oceansrisesite.blog).
I can’t imagine what 25 pounds worth of peppers looks like! Even one pepper is expensive here. Love your photo and quote … Understanding the scattered feeling. We are sliding into Autumn here, I can feel it.