My oasis

Apparently, when one reaches a certain age, one loses the luxury of "sleeping in."  My body has reached that age, apparently, and insistently awakens me every morning at 6:00.  Oh, the joy. Not.

However, early weekend mornings in my back yard are very restful and relaxing.  Few people in my neighborhood are awake before 9:00, and those who are show consideration by not firing up their power tools until at least 9:30.  Hence, aside from the occasional semi tractor-trailer that I can hear from the highway a mile away, my back yard resembles a quiet country estate.

The crickets are chirping - and this year there are so many crickets! - and even Nemo, our cat, seems reluctant to disturb the quiet.  I can choose to sit outside at our picnic table in the cool grass and enjoy my coffee.  This morning I am not, because it is raining gently, but the windows on the back of the house have been thrown wide open and it's just me, my coffee and my oatmeal with cranberries and brown sugar.

Thank you, Lord, for this quiet oasis in a suburban beehive that seems to be constantly buzzing with activity most of the time.  The quietness will soon be interrupted by birds, cars, and trucks as the world begins a new day going about its business.  But for a few sweet moments, it's just me, my breakfast, my yard, and my God, enjoying each others' company.