Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. 

Zechariah 1:2

Over the years I have made it very clear how much I love North Carolina. I especially love the fact of four distinct seasons. And, even though I am not a fan of hot weather, I even appreciate the summer here (although it seems to be getting a little hotter and a little longer than I would consider ideal).

Regardless, our garden would not be what it is if it were not for the long sultry summer days. We would not have the particular mix of trees and shrubs and flowers if the climate was different. So I am leading this morning’s post with this bright, sunny, North Carolina scene (above) because I am reminding myself how grateful I am for this home, this neighborhood, this town, this community, this beautiful state.

Somehow, with the morning temperatures lingering in the 70’s and low 80’s, the latter part of the week turned into a lot of extra gardening here at Maul Hall. I’m pretty sure it happened in response to the fact that – Wednesday morning – Rebekah was given the “all-clear” by her orthopedic doctor to use her feet without any restrictions.

“Without any restrictions,” really means: “You are clear to do what you can manage, because your feet/ankle absolutely will hurt for at least the next six months.”

Six Years of Catch-up!

So we’re playing catch-up. Not just catch-up from the time (since the beginning of May) Rebekah has been off her feet, but catch-up in a sense from 2016, when neck surgery left her weak and compromised when it came to being able to throw herself into gardening – all in – on her days off.

Being retired now, however, offers the opportunity to pace the process. Not having to “all-or-nothing” on the occasional day off, but being able to say, “Two, or three, hours today was enough; I can pick this up another day.” Or – from me: “Hey Rebekah? How about a glass of tea on the deck followed by a long lunch. We can come out again another day…”

We have every confidence now that, even if just a little at a time, we can finally begin to make some progress here in the garden at Maul-Hall.

And isn’t this really what it’s all about? Making progress, sometimes just a little at a time? The garden. Life. Relationships. Getting anything we care about into a better place.

Isn’t today always one more opportunity to take one more step in the right direction? – DEREK