Strolling Through the Shady Lane

By Paul Roberts

It’s transition time for me again.

As a 30 year public school teacher, I got used to the idea that the end of August brought change in my life. I am now retired from that profession, but not from that schedule. Carol and I seem to still find ourselves with busy summers as we try to take advantage of North Idaho’s warm days and cool nights, spending time with family and friends before “summer” comes to an end. 

There is still plenty of time to enjoy this fine weather, with some very fine people,  but way back in the month of May we started rehearsals for this summer’s show at the Sixth Street Melodrama. It occupied so much of our time - just ask Cleo. That ended Sunday with our final show (sold out!), followed by a lovely evening at the cast party in our backyard. 

At one point in the evening we went around the table, each one sharing “what’s next” on the agenda in our lives. Travel plans, new jobs, bear hunting, a return to school, and the next theater project were some of the ideas we shared. Later in the evening, after the guests had gone, I had time to wander the backyard and think some more about “what’s next.”

I’m looking forward to the new projects this fall, but I’m also looking forward to the slower pace that I hope late summer and early autumn will bring. As a teacher, summer transitioned into busy, busy, busy. I’m still learning how to move slower and enjoy the beauty of each day. I believe the Old Testament book of Genesis encourages that kind of activity and mindset when the writer says of Adam and Eve “…they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze.” Later we hear of Enoch who “walked habitually with God.” The psalmist David sings “I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”

I’m sure Carol and I will continue to fill our days with wonderfully fun people and projects, but I know that we will also be finding time…more time…to just walk with those we love, and with our Creator.

Make sure you do that too.

                                                                   **************

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Make time for a refreshing rendezvous with your Creator. 

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