The Joy I Have In Summer

My favorite time of the year is autumn. But the last few years, summer has come a very close second. I used to dread summer even thought that was the only way fall could come back around. But the last few years, summertime has been a great joy. Maybe I am more laid back the older I've become. While that is true, I think it is more that the older I've become, the more I seem to realize the little things beckon me to them. I love to sit and swing, watching everything around me as the wind blows through the leaves of the trees. Of course, that is on  a good day. When the wind refuses to offer relief to the stifling warmth, I thank the Lord for air conditioning, that and our sub-division swimming pool. My home is situated at the beginning of our sub-division and the edge of the out of town where homes are scattered and spread out. If I look straight out, I can pretend we live out in the country. It does sometimes feel that way. Actually, the farmer who owns the land across the road from us has already said he will never sell. Hope he never does. Can't imagine seeing a home instead of trees and land when I look out my front door.This is what I see in my front porch. A street that ends in a cul-de-sac with no houses on the other side separated by a narrow creek. In my front yard, a large flat rock, with interesting craters and behind it in a semi-circle, yellow day lilies, a red tiger lily(sadly they lose their petals by the first week of June) and a double set of two perennials that are native to Missouri(have their names somewhere). I love to watch the bumble bees and butterflies lift delicately from flower to flower. I have trees and other shrubs, but it may become a little boring to describe every last detail of my yard. Know this, my eyes are well pleasured as they peruse my yard, ogling every plant, tree, bird, bee, butterfly and the occasional lizard.

My garden is a little bigger this year. We got a late start in the planting due to the rain, but some green leaves are peeking through the dirt. Will have to get back with results later in the summer. This is the other joy I have for summer. I also gained a great deal of appreciation for the hot days. My garden made me realize that without the hot and sun filled days, my vegetables would have no hope in growing and filling not only our bellies with fresh garden vegies, but also my freezer. I never cared to garden until a few years ago. Now I look forward to it.

Every season has something to have joy in. And I believe God made sure we would never be bored with them, even if some of the results are disastrous. Thankfully, most are worth a smile.