We sit out on the concrete patio in the slight cool of morning, cherishing the slight breeze and eating our cereal. There is a hint of slate in the clouds to the north that suggests there could be a chance of rain today. These past few weeks have seen much of the country caught in the grip of killing heat and it is good to have some time of escape.

In these few moments of calmness, we sit, look out across the fields and hills, watch the cat chasing flies and playing in the grass. Taken by such thoughts and whims as take large kittens, Ginger races off across the gravel drive toward the garage, then whirls suddenly and pounces on a rock.

Today, I would love to stay here for a few hours, sitting in the shade, talking quietly and resting. I would like to spend some time talking about my father who died two years ago on this day, remembering fishing trips and working on houses with him. That is what I would like to do.

But, today, I will do the work I am hired to do, fulfill duty. Today, then, I will spend but a few minutes here and then move on the demands around which I have arranged my life.

But I will take these few moments and I will cherish them. I will drink in the peace and blessing of this place and this time. I will eat this portion of my daily bread, welcome the feel of this slight stirring of morning air and be grateful for this place and this day that the Lord is making.

I may not control much of what happens this day, but this part, this part I have chosen. I will give thanks and pray for wisdom to walk in the way of peace and goodness. I will pray to become part of the blessing that this day will bring. And in that way, I hope to honor my father.

And my Father.

H. Arnett

7/28/11