This morning, I arose with excitement. That feeling that I can only describe as "like I'm falling in love", has been teasing my senses, again. Each year around this time, when the Summer fades into Fall, there is just something that comes over me. And I love it.But this year, for the first time since moving to Nashville, I am just a little more greatful for this present season... and I suppose I'll give credit to growing up a little, and gaining perspective as more years of life pass by. It used to be that I would rush this time along... waiting, hoping.... longing for the days of Apple cider and falling leaves... but time has made me different now, and so I'd like to stop and ponder what I've enjoyed about Summer!
This summer has been a time of restored joy, in the deepest sense... not just restoration from a setback, but a "priming of the well within" if you will. You know those Living Waters, the Bible says we have... well, I can feel them flowing again within me.
It's been filled with reconnection with old friends and the re-establishment of old dreams! Yes, Summer is a time of being fully awake and alive!
FLIP FLOPS!!!! Need I say more! I adore the feeling of freedom... lazying around in floppy shoes of every hue. Since I am most happy when I'm
wearing these are the next best thing!This year, I found many new ones, but two pair became my favorites and seem to never leave my feet. One was a pair of cozy grey ones that looked and felt like your favorite soft t-shirt... and the other were a fabulous pair of black ones with a rhinestone circle in the center that reminded me of the eternity necklaces! So pretty! My silly sophistication.... rhinestone and denim diva that I am...lol.
I will miss wearing them the most :0)
Though I did not take an actual vacation this year, I must say that is one of the best parts of summer. Being at the beach, in a great city or up in the mountains when the days are long and free time is plentiful... there's just nothing like it!
Speaking of summer trips, I used to travel across country to Colorado the end of every July. Long car rides are so much fun! But not through Kansas... ugh (sorry if you're from there and you love it). It is by far one of the most boring states I have ever travelled through...BUT there is a redemptive moment though... one of my fondest memories of those drives, was when after hours of flat land... nothingness... the feeling of desertion (j/k), we would suddenly come upon a field of sunflowers !!!
The would seem to stretch for miles and miles!!Just amazing.... I was always blown away that such a gorgeous scene would be placed out in the middle of nowhere! God is so sweet to give everyone and everything SOMETHING beautiful!!
selah, huh?
There's been so many beautiful things....
Sweet tea and lemonade sipped on patios with good friends...
kids playin' in sprinklers....
Sunshine and soft rains.... at the same time...
The Call 7.7.07
air conditioning in my new car...
falling in love all over again...
just a few memories that have made this Summer... a good one. I'm so thankful!
Daddy,
Thank you for the beauty of another season... today I celebrate the joys and the sweetness of this Summer '07. Wow! You know the full story, of just how much restoration and newness You brought to my life. You've taught me to love, in deeper ways and to embrace the things I don't understand... even if they are a simple as a season... timing. I'm so glad that Your ways are much higher than mine... and that although it took all of these years for me to really value the days of Sunshine...You are so patient and loving. Thank You.
I'm in awe of all that You do.
Bless each friend, new and old.
Continue the restoration and the setting right of all things in my life.
Thank you for new things and fresh adventures... for flip flops and happy hearts!
And for allowing me to fall in love with you, all over again.
I'm amazed by You!
amen,
:0)
