Today I got to do two of my three most favourite things - weed the garden and hang clothes on the line. Monday I plan to complete the third item in my trilogy of pleasures - iron the tea towels, shirts and other miscellaneous linens needing a touch up.
While I realize my choice of activities may call to mind an individual who is severely deprived of a social life, that really isn't the case. I love my job as a writer, thoroughly enjoy my friends and my involvement with Toastmasters and a trip to town is brightened by smiles and greetings from my fellow citizens. It's what those other things do for my soul that draws me to them.
For as long as I can remember, growing things has been part of my life. Grandpa was a professional gardener, Mom's garden was an object of neighbourhood awe and my garden plot supplements our meals nearly year round. Weeding allows me to wreck vengeance on those invasive species that would rob me of a crop; it's interesting how many negative thoughts and feelings can get yanked up and chucked out at the same time.
Then there's the joy of hanging clothes outside. From our back deck I peg each item to the clothesline while breathing in "lung-fulls" of ocean air. It's a lengthy process, punctuated with pauses to stare at the beauty of water, islands and the neighbours' gardens. (There I go, back to the dirt.) How often I need the refreshing winds of God's spirit to revive and encourage! You, too?
The ironing I always leave until evening. The office work is filed 'til tomorrow, giving me opportunity, iron in hand, to listen to the music I love while thanking God for His grace that works through heat and pressure to refine my character.
