Monday, September 17, 2007

New address: Heaven?

What more could I ask? Those lovely crisp nights, with deep yellow moon and bright stars; only 4C when I first approached the thermometer this morning; and this afternoon, 22C. We have to enjoy these days when they come - live in the moment, we keep saying - so I came home from hospital visiting and what felt like a million errands, donned my capris and rubber boots and headed for the garden. There must be something there that needs attention on an afternoon like this ;)

The almost-last green beans (still enough for several meals), the produce of a couple of potato plants, the last little purple topped turnips, a few onions whose tops are broken and won't be growing anymore, a beet or two, and surprise! Those carrots whose tops looked so pitiful have been busy underground! Lovely! Sweet and fragrant!

I am so blessed by this return to rural life...the somewhat hectic pace of a 'newby priest' still needs the occasional reminder of slow, conscious breathing, but the whole environment here is so healthy. As I walked down the hill from my 'borrowed' garden patch, I wondered about the seniors I visit - they must miss these moments. Everyone around here had or has a garden. They must have enjoyed the satisfaction of the harvest, the sore muscles and healthy exhaustion from a day preparing the firewood for winter, or planning/weeding/harvesting food for their tables. But now many sit in their rooms, in the hospital or care-facilities, not really noticing the weather outside their windows, lost in boredom or all-too-often unhappy memories. How can I open their eyes to these beautiful experiences? Bring back these healthy, happy memories? Perhaps tomorrow I'll take a few of those luscious carrots with me on my rounds...they just might evoke a smile or two...

And tonight, when it's dark and cold outside, I'll return to the waiting paperwork and reading and planning! (If I can resist a peak at the stars!)

PS For anyone who's hoping for pics and reflections on Ordination Weekend, I promise to get them up soon. It was such an amazing time - I'm finding it hard setting it to words...how to capture something so special on paper?

No comments: