Dear Reader:

Yesterday morning I woke up early thinking I would get my blood work done and out of the way as soon as my doctor’s office opened…but when I pulled in at 8:00 on the dot…there was a sign on the door apologizing for the inconvenience but the lab worker would not be in this day.

Bummer! Got up for early for nothing…but then I started thinking how pretty it looked outside through the bedroom window before I left and how cool the breezes felt…and I had a different thought.

“I didn’t get up early for nothing…I got up early for something.”

…And like a child…I began playing hide and seek with the sun’s first lights filtering into the garden and the shadows enveloping the rest of it. The plants were equally beautiful, whether in the sun or shade…but when the sun’s rays shone through them there was such an ethereal quality about them that it took my breath away.

It started with the one of my newest plants I had just gotten planted over the weekend before the rains came…the Celosia Flame. The sun’s rays hit just the spot where it was located and set it all “aflame’…beautiful!

Then came the beautiful morning glories waiting on their 15 minutes of fame!

I walked around to the front of the house and the front yard was still enveloped in shade except for flickers of light on the roof and porch. My happy home!

All the flowers along the fence had shadows behind them as the sun’s rays touched each one in turn. Even in the garage, the light hit the 1954 child’s tractor and fairy wheel barrow.

It was Eva Cate’s Japanese Maple that was the first tree kissed by the sun yesterday morning…

My small pink Mexican petunias just got re-located and were smiling in the warm delight of early sunlight.

By the time I had snapped pictures and then watered the front, back,  side yards…gardens, plants, and planters…and finally plopped down in front of the computer to start today’s blog I glanced out the window and the scene (that had started it all) was now receiving its first touch of sunshine for the day. (Clerodendrum, Ginger Shell, and Moon Flower Vine) I had come full circle and it wasn’t even noon. What a way to spend the morning! God’s and my Sanctuary!

It was such a spiritual experience and so unexpected…all because a lab worker couldn’t come to work. Isn’t it wonderful when God gives us the blessing of time…a wonderful interruption in our daily plans just to let us know He cares?

Just as I was falling asleep Sunday evening and saying a prayer that my blood work and check-up later this week go well…I heard a beep on my Iphone (that I always toss on my bed before going to sleep in case of an emergency) go off rather loudly. When I picked it up I realized that I had tossed the phone next to a book I was reading and the vibration was bouncing off the book cover.

I glanced to see who it was…and discovered exactly Who it was. A verse of scripture popped up…I read it…smiled and told God quietly “Thank you for Your prompt response!” And immediately fell into a restful sleep.

So until tomorrow…Take advantage of unexpected gifts of time…they are the most precious gifts of all.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Don’t forget to say “Rabbit” first thing today. I hope August is a wonderful month for all of us.

Brookie is going to be a grandmother again…Caleb (Boogie Boy) is going to have a little sister in January. Everyone is doing great and now Walsh and Mollie’s little girl will have a playmate. Brooke and I are too excited! Can’t believe little Caleb will be two just shortly before his little sister arrives. Times flies…it seems like this picture was just taken yesterday. (Veronica, Baby Caleb, and Riley)

Walsh shared some photos from their weekend visit to Asheville to see his close friend Robertson and his adorable family…especially little Della. So glad they are staying such close friends!