A stiff breeze in early morning put a chill in the air. It took most of the day for the sun to wear that away but by early evening, the temperature was right pleasant outside. With the locust tree blocking the direct light of the sun and the breeze having tapered off considerably, it seemed so nice at seven that Randa suggested we sit out on the patio for a while. So we did.

I tried to coax the cat up onto my lap but she was feeling too much like herself to oblige that invitation. The dog would have been more cooperative on that point but she is about thirty pounds heavier than would make that a mutually enjoyable experience so we arranged for her to take her own place on the concrete. I sipped on a class of tea and Randa soaked up the ambience of northeastern Kansas.

We talked about the new grass growing on the bank above the retaining wall and the way the winter killed so many cedar shrubs in the area. We talked about the rabbits nesting in the pile of old utility poles and the rose bushes just beginning to bud by the living room windows. We talked about the horse and the splendid ride Randa had this weekend over at Honey Creek with her very good friend. We also spent some bit of time with our eyes closed, lying back in the lounge chairs feeling warm sun on our faces and gentle wind on our skin.

Sometimes the best part of visiting is in speaking and listening and sometimes it is in feeling comfortable enough to know that no entertainment is needed. My suspicion is that those who are most afraid of silence are the ones who fear the emptiness within them. I believe that those who are most comfortable with God don’t feel like they have to be making a racket all the time just so He won’t forget where they are. Genuine love does not have to hear itself talking to know that it is real.

H. Arnett
5/20/14