It was a Day--a Good Day

Today was a day, just an ordinary day--but it was a good day. It was even a Thursday. What is truly eventful about Thursdays?

As evening came around, I looked back on this day—as I often do—thinking about activities or happenings that have taken place. It is my habit to mull over the day and acknowledge God’s Hand in my daily, routine existence. I maintain I’ll never see Him in any otherworldly events if I can't see Him in the mundane of everyday.

I awakened at a reasonable hour, refreshed and void of antagonism directed toward my neighbors over their dogs barking during the night. “Thank you. I appreciated getting a good night’s rest” was the text message I sent. I meant it. The last few nights have been rough.

The temperature outside was reasonable today, unlike the God-awful 90 degrees registered over the weekend. I’m a bit like Goldilocks—it must not be too hot nor too cold. It must be just right. 

The pest exterminator came around noon. I had been wondering if it was time for his quarterly visit, as I’ve seen more than a couple of the furry, black, hoppy-skippy-jumpy spiders that send me through the roof. They are sly as they avoid capture. Their intelligence is a bit mind boggling. I’m glad I have pest guys come regularly. They at least give me a sense they’re dealing with them.

A walk to the grocery store was in order, as I was almost out of my beloved muesli, my main breakfast food source. Walking the distance doesn’t match the number of steps I put in behind a lawn mower, but it works. I am grateful for the fresh air and the physical movement.

The quiet (in spite of the traffic) gave time for introspection as I considered learning—finally—how to not allow my mind to get caught up in things I have no control over, that have nothing to do with me or my life and accomplish nothing.

It’s simple—the good ones always are. I cannot do a thing about the thoughts that enter my mind. They are often old habit patterns of thinking that are negative and create a vortex effect. I realized I can choose to entertain those thoughts--or I can choose to send them on their way, out the door of my mind. Easy peezy!

Yesterday I purchased the creme de la crème of shrubs for my front garden bed. One glaring space was vacant and unimpressive, but I didn’t know what to plant. A trip to the grocery store found my feet heading for the plant display out front and resulted in the purchase of a Gaura. It is a perfect perennial for the area. It was given its new home today.

That’s what I call two-for-two: The right plant. In the ground. I can see it from my spare room where I am sitting at the computer.

A walk-through appraisal of all things growing resulted in watering a few that aren’t on the drip system, addressing a spider mite issue, AND picking strawberries. I do not have an abundance, but they are ripe red, sweet, and juicy. It has been a long time since I could graze in my own garden.

I am thankful for the life I have been given. It isn’t fancy; I’m not a world traveler; I don’t even have a bucket list. At this point in time, though, I wouldn’t trade it for any other. 

There is a slight breeze outside. My eyes are getting heavy as nightfall comes. Bedtime is around the corner. Are the dogs going to bark tonight? Time will tell.

Life is brief. I am finally learning to live in the present instead of worrying about the road that is ten miles ahead. I am thankful for this day and everything that was in it.

May your days be good days as well—ones where you experience and recognize God’s Hand in your life.

 

“O taste and see that the Lord is good;

happy are those who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8