Some Things Take Time

We live in a fast-paced, over achieving, git 'r done kind of world. We have demands on us and our time sun up to sundown, day in and day out. Sundays (or Saturdays) are no longer days of rest, but rather another day for chores, kids' ball games, shopping and such. Furthermore, free time is oft viewed as a scandalous indulgence. Guilt is piled on the one who takes time for naps or simply doesn't run at breakneck speed at all times. It's exhausting trying to keep up.

I'm here to tell you and truth be told, simply ponder the fact that some things take time. Homemade bread for example. Knitting a sweater (not that I would know). War and Peace (again, ignorant on this one). Making a quilt (this one I can speak to - started one 20 years ago and it's still not done). Some things just can't be rushed.

I'm at a time in my life where I have time on my hands. Time to sit. Time to ponder. Time to write a blog. (Please don't mention that I could be knitting or QUILTING.) And, since I live on a lake, that time offers the opportunity for some of life's very special moments. There are things that I'm able to enjoy ONLY if I sit still outside with nothing to read (or knit):

• An otter swim up to the dock
• A goose defending a nest
• A school of gar passing by
• An eagle delivering a catch to his nest
• An eagle shaking off the water from his last dive for prey
• The woodpecker that lands on my dock ladder (that sounds like Flipper)
• The onset of a thunderstorm
• The changing colors of the sky before, during and after sunset
• The planet that shows up first each night
• The appearing of Orion as the sky darkens
• A fish dancing on his tail across the water
• A hawk w/ a fish, mouse, snake in tow
• The sound of hail on a lake a mile away making its way toward me
• The fragrance of the latest blooms
• The sound of a chuck's poor widow
• The first firefly of the season
• The difference between one sunset and another
• The sound of a silent night

This time we've been given with not so much to do is stressful at times. We miss our regular activity and job/life demands. We long to be needed by others as before and to use our talents professionally. When I'm stressed or anxious I'm reminded that I'm not to "...worry, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make [my] requests known to God and the peace that passes all understanding will be [mine]." Some things take time. I give thanks for the time to appreciate the things that so often would pass me by. They remind me of the greatness of God and the smallness of me.
It's good.