The scorch has diminished in these parts as of late.
The red on the thermometer will climb high to 90 today - but the scald and blister of a southern summer has passed.
The air has a slight crunch to it - a gentleness and a cool that I've welcomed.
Because of this turn in season, the oldest boy and I sat outside on Sunday for our read-aloud.
I lounged in a child's rocker much too small for my adult frame. He moved about the porch and tinkered.
The wind blew through our skyward pines as I read Wind in the Willows to our man-child.
Eight now, with broad shoulders and a sudden robustness - he is closer to adolescent than infant and it makes my mind spin.
How do the seasons change so swiftly?
Like our abrupt entrance into Autumn - he just went and turned himself into a lad of all things.
The winds will do that. They'll carry change and seasons and newness.
Sometimes welcomed. Sometimes not.
But to cower away from the wind...is unreasonable. To try and escape the draft is impossible.
While tides changing can be rough - it can also be glorious.
I'm currently in a spell of time that's wrought with wind.
A temporary rent house, seven months into a strangely different job for the mister, dreams and inklings within....
There's an up-in-the-airness in the air.
The wind could blow any which way.
The gusts can carry in just about anything for anybody anywhere anytime - even for those who feel set and stationary.
While I do have somewhat of a longing for security, consistency, and sturdiness in life - I also have this tinge of thrill over what may come next. Always have.
I sometimes like to be on the cusp.
So for now - as I sit in this section of time where things seem so different and somewhat strange and a little bit interim - I'm going to keep the window open.
Why not welcome the breeze?
It may be prompt, or it may be years before the gale gets in - but it's going to tuffle your hair at some point - might as well expect it and let it waft on in to arrange things.
And won't it be sweet.... when the winds, at some point, usher in something precious?
If you find yourself here with me - take courage this moment...knowing that I just now prayed for you - for every wandering soul that passes by this post this week.
And feel a boost in hearing - that I too am seeking God in this....that you know another being who doesn't have things all mapped and planned and polished.... that someone else out there is hitting knees on a vacillating floor.
Hugs and embraces and blessings to you all.
