Monday, August 22, 2016

The First Turning


I skipped church today, but I think God will understand.

Today was the day I have been waiting for all summer, and it wasn't just because my husband and daughter were leaving for a three day backpacking trip to a remote island, although it was an added bonus. No, today was special because the weather exhibited the first turn towards Autumn, my favorite season of the year.

I love summer for about two weeks, and then I am ready for the heat, the humidity (terrible for a curly-haired girl), and the bright sunshine that washes out every color, all to go away.


This morning I woke to change in the air; the humidity had disappeared overnight, the temperature was the perfect 68 degrees, and the breeze...oh how I have missed the breeze. Throw open the windows and let it in.


After listening to my husband and daughter go through their packing list for the tenth time, I kissed them both, extracted promises from both of them that they wouldn't kill each other, and sent them on their way.


The next three days were mine. Well actually, mine with Scout and Findley, but the worst they do is bark. Scout was still snoozing downstairs, the life of the aged golden retriever, and well earned. I coaxed Findley into his walking harness with the promise of a car ride and off we set for a walking trail that I had discovered this spring. A trail we can't do in the summer because it is too sunny and too hot.


Today was perfect, a refreshing breeze blowing through the wildflower fields, an amazing cloud display, and not a bead of sweat anywhere on my body.


It took a little time to settle into our pace on the wide paved path, but finally Findley became content with looking for sticks to carry in his mouth, and I could tune in the voice in my head. The voice has been missing the last few weeks, lost amongst the busyness of the final weeks of summer. I could slow my breath and truly see the things around me. The vibrant purples and yellows of the wildflowers, and how the breeze made them dance. The breeze carried the smell of rotisserie chicken on the grill, bringing back pleasant childhood memories of my dad making chicken on the grill for Sunday dinner.


The two hour walk brought more peace than church could have today. I think God will understand.

19 comments:

Suburban Girl said...

This sounds lovely. Today is supposed to give us a break from the heat and humidity. I hope so.

Unknown said...

I am sure God will understand, Sarah!
There has been an abrupt change in the weather here also, and I heard that tonight's low will be in the mid 40's. A "bit" of a change for sure.
I know there will be lots of really nice weather left, but I do think that things are "a changin."
Have a wonderful week ahead!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Beautiful my friend enjoy those precious moments.

Unknown said...

Nature was God's first church - Jesus preached from mountain tops & sea sides. Yes, God understands. What a wonderful way to spend your morning & start your week!!

Unknown said...

Nature was God's first church - Jesus preached from mountain tops & sea sides. Yes, God understands. What a wonderful way to spend your morning & start your week!!

Anonymous said...

"...and not a bead of sweat anywhere on my body." Oh, that made me laugh, because I know exactly what you mean! Our summer has been excessively hot and humid, too. I'm so glad you finally got this wonderful day and that you shared it with all of us! I know how much you've been longing for it.

Carol said...

Looking forward to autumn too.

Anonymous said...

Great first line, Sarah! And your writing and photography draws me in and refreshes me like a cool breeze. Wonderful.

Cathy H. said...

So glad you had your day and the peace that comes with being in God's wonderful world. Your pictures are so lovely; such rich colors. I've skipped a few Sunday's myself and yes, I do believe God understands! I'm trying not to be too envious of your beautiful day. I know it will eventually happen here, too. After over a week of daily rain, we now have sunshine and a lower humidity, but the temps are still a little hotter than I like for hiking; upper 80's. I can't wait for fall either.

Ahayes1225 said...

So glad you had your time for yourself. We are enjoying the cooler weather also today.

cheryl Crotty said...

Your walk sounds wonderful and I'm sure your dog enjoyed it as much as you did...I haven't gone to church all summer as most Sunday's we are in Maine...but I fell very connected spiritually when I'm in the woods or on a lake or watching Loons go by. Those are the offerings God gives to me when I'm not inside his building...

Michelle B said...

I think God will understand too. :) We are suppose to get to 90 degrees today, but mid 80's the rest of the 10 day forecast. I will stick to the shaded trails for a little bit longer. :)

Nancy said...

Sounds like a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday....a long walk with a gorgeous dog in God's wonderful creation....I will be glad when I can say it's 68 degrees here but I think it's going to be a while....

Electric | Journal said...

Yesterday I caught a whiff of autumn in the morning air... it's something I look forward to, seek out even, every summer. Especially after the heat wave of the past week! Autumn is also my favorite season, especially for photography. And because my birthday is in September. Happy trails, Sarah... hope you and Findlay got in a lot more walking over the weekend.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

What an exciting way to spend some time by yourself and I agree, God would want you out enjoying all his beautiful creations.

Tracey Grumbach said...

Ahhh...alone time is sacred. I wish I had a bit more to call my own. <3

chasing the sun said...

Trail time is awesome! In this neck of the woods it is still too hot and humid to enjoy walking or running outside.....Although I am noticing subtle signs of fall, I don't think we'll see 60 degree nights (or days) for several months yet ...

Turn The Page said...

Oh I totally understand the need for solitude! I am closer to God in the depths of nature. It is a very precious time. And I, too, am loving the coming of Autumn in all of her colorful glory! Aloha!

Unknown said...

I'm sure G-d will understand. Me time is so important and nourishing for the soul and spirit.