Sundays in Summer

    One of my favorite things to do on Sunday in summer is to sit outside on our back deck  in the early morning, before my corner of the world is awake and rustling about.  I drink a cup of coffee and read my devotional; I give thanks to God for the gift of nature, and the beauty that surrounds me.  All is peaceful. Calm.  Flowers are full of color.  Evergreen trees, like royal stewards of the forest, provide cool shade for birds taking rest, and deer in the meadow. 

    Looking up at the  pale blue sky,   lightly clouded over with strands of wispy white adds to the  serene way I feel. The lake glimmers under the first bright rays of sunlight, and I'm  reminded of diamonds and glittering jewels , but that comparison  seems too cliche. While  diamonds can be beautiful to behold, and have monetary value - or can be the cherished keepsake of a beloved family member,  looking at one  doesn't help   elevate the soul, or draw us to consider ways  of the spirit or   ponder the  wonder of life  like the splendor we find in  being still,  contemplating God's glorious creation.

   A soft movement of air brushes against  my arm, I look up at the sky once more,  and smile. 

Summer Rain

No warm  sunshine
this summer day
only rain, like heavenly dew
falling from a cloudy sky
to wet the fields,
and help keep our forest
green; to splash the birds 
and bathe the deer, 
giving drink to a 
thirsty garden
like waters of baptism
refreshing  the soul