Summer Days

This has been one of the nicest summers in memory. And I am treasuring these

Summer Days

despite the fact that they are flying by so fast.

I almost never feel like winter flies by quickly here in Minnesota. Though last winter was one of the nicest winters I remember from my almost 40 years of living here. Nevertheless I’m not a fan of Minnesota winters.

I truly wish that I could welcome fall days and the coming winter with as much enthusiasm as I welcome the arrival of spring. Despite the fact that I much prefer the warm seasons here, I wouldn’t wish away the cold winters. Still, my heart stuttered a bit today when I noticed the tops of some trees along the road starting to turn shades of orange. “Too soon!” I thought, “I’m not ready.” But ready or not the seasons turn as they will and the summer days go by more quickly than I would like.

Part of the magic of this beautiful place where we live is the way that the seasons turn and create such beauty all around us. Every season brings a different kind of beauty. From the sticks and mud of early spring to blossoms galore as spring moves on, to full bodied green everywhere you look in summertime, to glorious colors throughout the landscape in fall, to bare branches against the sky in late fall, to layers of white coating every branch in winter — such beauty!

One of the life lessons I am working on now and probably for all my remaining days is to appreciate each day no matter what the season. This time of year I store up memories for the coming winter. I pay attention to the feel of the warm soft breeze, lush colors all around, delicate and graceful flowers, and give thanks that I am able to live here now. Would I appreciate the lush beauty and soft warmth of this season if it was like this year-round?

Here, Now — Grace

This year it has felt a little like we are living in a bubble of beauty, comfort, and safety in this part of Minnesota. As I hear about flooding and fires, hurricanes and catastrophes elsewhere, here I am, enjoying one of the most beautiful summers I can remember. Storms damaged a couple of trees in the park area beside our house recently, but the damage was minimal. Meanwhile the lush greens continue to fill me with joy. With the plentiful rain this summer the greens seem greener and lusher than ever. And the vivid late summer flowers are showing off in gardens and wild areas all around the area.

It feels like a summer of grace. So much beauty all around and the capacity to simply soak it in and enjoy it is an immense gift.

With the recent cooler weather the birds have been emptying the bird feeders outside my office window almost daily. They flutter and flit, goldfinches, house finches, woodpeckers, blue jays and more. Preparing already for the end of summer, they gorge themselves on sunflower seeds. I love seeing their bright colors and fluttering wings so close outside the window.

The male goldfinches are still wearing their vivid yellow color. They are so bright that they almost glow in the afternoon light outside my window. There is one at the feeder now, unaware that I am quietly watching him and appreciating his vivid beauty.

Invitation

Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy

and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles

for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,

or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air

as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine

and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude –
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing

just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,

do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.

It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.

   — Mary Oliver

Savor these beautiful summer days my friends. Store them up in your memories to pull out on a cold winter’s day.

May you walk in beauty.