A deep sigh of relief

Finally, after a hectic spring complicated by tough emotional battles and wrestling with God and myself, it feels like I can settle into a summer routine. I am facing summer with a healthier perspective on some personal issues and hoping to carry forward the lessons learned.

I woke up extra early this morning and wandered into my garden to plant just a few more things - a "Farmers' Market" blend of lettuces and some swiss chard. I had my headphones on, listening to a playlist that includes pretty, pensive songs like Michael Buble's "Home" and and Alison Krauss's "Gravity". The sun was up but hadn't made it's way past our garage roof or the trees in our backyard, so the light was still cool and green. Worms wriggled in the soil I loosened. I sprinkled the tiny seeds, then gently spread the dirt over them. In a week or two, that black dirt will be covered with a fine layer of tiny green seedlings. It makes me smile.

This process of gardening does something good for my soul. Every spring I enjoy thinking about what I'll grow that year. I do pretty much the same thing each summer, but have experimented occasionally with pumpkins, various cucumbers, and varieties of green beans. I love choosing my seeds, preparing the soil, waiting for those tiny plants to push their way into the light, then picking and eating something that God and I grew. It is like a tiny miracle in my own yard.

As I pick up my tools and get ready to head inside, I hear the tinkle of Ruca's collar. My neighbors' dog is my good buddy. I put my hand through the fence and she comes close so I can give her ears a good morning scratch. And then here comes Kai - the little boy who has done so much to heal my soul, to heal the hurt of not having children of our own - a miracle in itself. A smile breaks across my face as he toddles over, smiling and cooing, bringing me one of his dad's yard tools.

I am so thankful for this quiet morning full of lovely gifts. An early snuggle with Egg. The joy of my garden. Ruca's moist kisses. Kai's smile. The peace of my garden.

How wonderful the quiet of summer mornings. How wonderful the neighbors and friends who fill my life. How wonderful.