Today was a beautiful day to be in the garden. I really didn’t have time to garden but it was a necessity. A friend of mine asked me last week if I would like any daylilies. He has a beautiful garden (that I have often admired) and was getting ready to divide his daylilies. Of course I said yes, how could I pass up free.

     Saturday morning he dropped off the plants. They looked great. I didn’t have a chance to get them in the ground but I knew that they could wait a day or two. Sunday came and went. Monday I actually went so far as to drag the box of plants outside and get my shovel. Then it started to rain. So… back into the garage went the plants. By Tuesday the plants that were beautiful on Saturday were now showing signs of stress. They were now a little yellow around the edges and very dry. I knew they must get into the ground and quick. Today was my first spare moment. Before I could plant I had to pull a few weeds and figure out where to place everything. Whewww! Finally the job is done. Now I am ready for the rain to come and give them a good soaking.

     I couldn’t help but think how much we are like those plants. We need our roots firmly planted in the soil of God’s Word. When we are uprooted for any amount of time we begin to turn yellow around the edges. The more time we spend out of the soil, the more detached from God we become until we finally dry out. Like the plant, it doesn’t take but a few days to feel the effects of living life without God. When we finally find ourselves planted again, we have to do a little weeding. It is amazing how weeds can quickly grow.

     Without our roots firmly planted we can’t grow. Oh how I so desire to remain firmly planted and waiting for a little rain.

Well, I survived the first day of school. I did more then survive, I actually enjoyed it. Can you believe that? If I was to say that to the general public they would think that I am crazy. I know many people who cannot wait to send their children back to school. How sad that parents do not want to spend time with their children. Now I am not saying that every moment is a joy, but I really do find teaching my children rather enjoyable. It has been a great blessing to me in many ways. I have seen first hand God’s work in my life and my children’s life as a result of homeschooling.

We spent our first day organizing and cleaning out notebooks. We were able to begin a few subjects and I covered a lot with Lily. I was so amazed and how she jumped back into school without any lag at all. Her attitude was great as well as Alex’s and Abby’s. I was so amazed by how hard they worked without complaining. I only hope that this lasts at least a couple of months.

I wonder if that is how God is with me? Is He pleased when I spend time with Him willingly, with a good attitude? Do I ever whine and hurry through my quiet time? Worse yet, how many times have I skipped my quiet time all together because I didn’t have time? I pray that my attitude will please God. I pray that I find time and enjoy spending it with God. How much more enjoyable life is when we have a good attitude and a willing heart.

When I first heard someone say that summer was almost over I was in denial. The more I realized that summer was indeed coming to an end, I started to panic. All I could think about was the many projects that I had yet to complete. I also started to mourn the freedom of summer. The freedom to sleep in if I choose, do the housework when I wanted not just in a rush after the school day ended. The freedom from busy schedules that seem to keep us busy every night of the week. The freedom to pick up and go whenever I wanted. The end of summer is to me a reminder that my children are moving one year closer to leaving our home.

As I lay in bed last night thinking about the passing of another summer, I thought about all the many things we did do this summer. The times spent with friends, swimming, playing with the kids, craft projects, dejunking projects and camping trips. As I reflected, I realized that this was a wonderful summer for my family and me. One that will not soon be forgotten. I have many memories that I will treasure for years to come as a result of this summer. God has been good and this was a great summer.

But I have to remember that summer is just another season in my life. As I now look forward to the fall and the beginning of school, I realize there are things I do like about fall. The first of which is being back on a schedule and having a routine. The fresh fall air and cooler days. Seeing my children grow and mature as they become more independent. Watching them develop their God given talents and grow closer to the Lord. God has many good things in store for us and I know that there are many new memories just waiting to be made this upcoming school year.

So long Summer....Hello Fall!