Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Photo Friday this week includes a wide range of interesting images.

There is rejuvenation from the riverfront, restoration in our dining room, beautiful foliage from the Town Common, cool lighting from the Calvary churchyard and great food from my kitchen.

First the photograph documenting progress on the construction by the riverfront – steps and a walkway down the bluffs behind the old Quigless Building. Work seems to be going well and this is a huge step (pun not intended, but noted) in much needed improvements.

Now if only the Town would step up with a commitment to keep the streets and sidewalks in good repair and litter free.

Next, while it looks like Rebekah’s dream of a dedicated workshop is unlikely to happen, she has nonetheless thrown herself into “Option B” which is “The whole house is my workshop!” To that end there is refinishing going on in the dining room, in the guest room, in the entry hall and on the front porch. She has purchased lots of tools and supplies and now things are really beginning to happen.

Fall Color:

Then I am always on the lookout for fall colors, and Thursday this blaze of gold on the Town Common caught my attention. A lot of the leaves are already gone but the tree is holding on to enough that I was able to manage some satisfactory photographs.

You will also see some images from the churchyard at Calvary. It is always worth investing the time to take a contemplative wander through the arboretum, and I especially enjoy the way the light plays off the trees and the stones at night.

Finally, you will see a couple of foodie photos because, well, it has been a productive and creative week in the Maul Hall kitchen.

The steaks were likely the best we have had this year (thanks to Trader Joe’s in Greenville for that). Then I made the sandwich from salmon I had grilled the previous evening. It made an excellent salad and reminded me that it always pays to use my imagination rather than serving same-old same-old even at lunch time.

Overall, looking over this collection of pictures, it is evident that we have much to be thankful for heading into Thanksgiving this week.

Just a thought to wrap up with, as we prepare for one of the “eatingest” times on the calendar: Jesus was always feeding the hungry and he was a frequent dinner party guest. But he had this to say one day when his disciples urged him to eat:

But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”

“Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” – John 4:32-34  

It is my sincere prayer that we all find the nourishment we need during this season. It is right there, if we simply open our hearts. Happy Friday, friends, have an amazing weekend! – DEREK