As the day closes, I sit in a favorite spot, a spot I’ve been seeking out most evenings, wanting to spend the last minutes of daylight on our deck listening to the Creator’s late summer symphony, a composition for tree frogs, crickets, and cicadas, featuring a guest appearance of honking Canada Geese who appear in the northern sky, approach in V-formation and wing their way south.
The air is still and damp with our Great Lakes state’s humidity. No robin sings. But I’m OK, feeling content and enjoying this last evening of August, surprisingly OK with darkness coming a bit earlier than it did yesterday.
I turn to September’s page on the calendar, first noticing the note I made many weeks ago for August 31 – To Wisconsin – marking our plan to recreate last year’s family gathering at my uncle’s home on a Wisconsin lake, a rare and special gathering of all of the children and grandchildren of Mom’s parents, Thomas and Ida Vent.
Uncle Bob in front with sons Brian and Brad behind.
Mom beside him with Glen, Lisa (me), Elaine, and Ann behind.
As this year’s Labor Day Weekend trip approached, I learned that Ann would not be able to come with us. Then, a few days before our drive to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, followed by a full day’s car travel to Wisconsin, the back pain I’ve been trying to overcome this summer returned. I had been confident that I’d be able to go and now found myself contacting my doctor for more help with the condition instead of packing for the trip.
After a few days of pain and nights without sleep, I made the hard decision to stay home, a decision that my husband agreed with. He then quickly stated that he would still go, unless I didn’t want him to. What a blessing in our life to have become part of each other’s family! As he loaded the car to leave for Mom’s house the next day, I thanked him for doing such an admirable thing for them, knowing that he will enjoy the little vacation and their company. Also knowing that I will have son Kyle’s company while he’s gone.
As I write today, the group is gathered for dinner at Uncle Bob’s house. I’ve cried a few tears of disappointment this week and felt tired of this struggle, but when I was able during a sleepless night to still my frustrated mind and seek God, a peace gathered me up, reassuring me that God knows my needs and is at work in all of our lives. My state of mind changed from self-pity to faith.
I’m in the right state today, Ohio instead of Wisconsin.
After last year’s trip to Wisconsin, I wrote one of my favorite posts, Faith Like A Fisherman?. Click on the picture of my brother fishing from my uncle’s dock to read it. I’m glad I looked it up today and reminded myself what it means to cast our cares on God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7