It is pretty hard to imagine that we are already midway through July. 2020 has made us forget what day of the week it is and also wonder what might happen when we flip one month over and turn our calendars to the next one.
The heat reaching triple digits this week made it obvious to us Texans that summer is upon us. It is time to get up early for outdoor work or save our tasks for when the sun goes down.
My oldest son does yard work with a local crew five days a week. This week he got a day off because of the rain, but added in a sixth one to help catch back up. I feel for him. I especially empathize with him because I also have been working outdoors, feeling the heat, and rushing into the house most nights exhausted and ready to shower.
I used to check on him throughout the day and wonder how he was. Now, I know what he is feeling and dealing with! He is hot, but likes physical labor and accomplishing something. God created us from the same cookie cutter you might say. Now, my piddling does not compare to his job or his long hours, but walking or working a day in his “shoes” has shown me a lot.
My only claim to fame is cleaning out flower beds and helping his younger brother. Strangely, one of my greatest blessings of this whole COVID mess has been working and learning with Bosque. I honestly thought there was not much to mowing; however, I was wrong.
It occurred to me last week as I rounded a tree at 910 Watson that mowing is a lot like country dancing. Stay with me…It takes time and repetition to be able to “two-step” with someone. Likewise, it also takes a while to learn a yard. My second round at 910 was much easier than my first. I knew when to turn, slow down, and make adjustments so that the different types of grass would end up in unison.
I tried to guide my mower straight so that my friend’s grass would look spectacular, but realized I had to just do my own thing sometimes. I circled around the trees and dipped back to a few areas that were neglected or uneven. Thus…the dancing element and my new found familiarity.
When I dance with my husband, there is a familiar feel because we have been doing it for so long. We informally trained our kids to dance like we do too. We can all follow and lead each other pretty well.
Anything worthwhile in life takes practice, whether it be mowing, dancing, mastering a sport, or even cooking a perfect rack of ribs.
Maybe I am the only one, but these past few months of less structure and lack of scheduled activities has caused me to lose some good practices. I have sadly added in some habits that are not as positive too. Sleeping in, staying up late, procrastination, and the absence of a sense of urgency to get things accomplished is good for a week or two of vacation, but for months and months – not so good!
I am probably not the only one in this boat! Anything worthwhile takes practice, dedication, structure, and determination. In Daniel 9:3 he says “And I set my face unto the Lord.” That really means that Daniel made up his mind. I am convicted to do the same. Join me and set your face unto the Lord. Make up your mind and follow Jesus this week.