Summer Morning Chores

        “. . . . while the dew is still on the roses, “

Beloved:

     I was outside early today, pinning laundry on the line, watering flowers, and, this year, checking on the hens.  This morning I found four baby birds in a bucket attached to my front porch wall.  Their mama scolded me good from high in the serviceberry tree. 

     All fourteen chicks live peaceably together in their new coop.  They keep house all day long, scratching the ground, rearranging the brush, turning the soil for bugs and worms.  They are aces at processing my kitchen compost.  Later in the season I’ll set them loose in my garden to round up the Japanese beetles and tomato worms. 

     I love no work more than the outdoor chores of early summer morning..  I’m not tired yet.  The world is quiet and going slowly seems allowed.  Soon enough there will be emails to write, books to study and problems to address.  Then I will be tired and a bit more stressed, for the seeming shortness of time.  I’ll be tempted but resist regretting the morning’s easy pace.  Else what is life but to work and die?  Certain tasks may be delayed, or maybe left undone. while I politely decline to miss these baby birds.  For which I shall gladly be accountable. 

     Yet, on days like today - so awash in life and light and beauty ~ are we not also accountable?  Accountable to receive, be filled and give thanks to the Maker and Giver of all this glorious life and light and beauty?  I pray the day finds you filled with peace, contentment, joy and gratitude.  Do good work - but not too much nor for too long!  ~ peace and prayers, pastor annette