Five Minute Friday: Red

The first week of September ushers in a breath of newness. Summer won't let go completely but the hints of red and gold flickering in green tress are gentle reminders that much autumn beauty is to come. Time to settle into routines that have been relaxed for days of leisure. I dread the last days of August--not wanting to let go of the way days slowly melt together under the intense heat of the summer sun.

But life keeps rolling along and the calendar pages keep turning and as we flip into the fall it's like an invitation to enter fully in; like a fresh start.

I began my days here as the bright apples dropped to the ground from the tress pregnant with their fruit and weighted down. As each September brings back routine and newness I celebrate another year of life graciously given to me. My mother groaned in labour and gave birth to me in the wee hours of the morning near the end of the month.

This year the celebrating started early with a surprise. 

I had reached far back into the almost empty cupboard and pulled down a special mug; the one we bought as a souvenir  a week after I turned 23 and we had sailed as newlyweds on our honeymoon to Bermuda. My mind wandered back to almost 14 years ago as I spread butter and homemade strawberry jam on my warm toast. My memories of that time are rich and sweet and like it was yesterday we started our new life together.

I sat down, lost in my own thoughts, when my man came in with a gift for me. No great fanfare, just a simple giving, like the way he gives his life and love to me daily; a selfless, sacrificial, servant-hearted gift of love to me.

My heart bleeds more love as I look past this generous and thoughtful gift and to the gift that I have been given in this man by the Great Giver of all good gifts. The way he loves is a banner over me.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights 

with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

James 1:17

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Reflecting and writing on the word prompt given here for Five Minute Friday at Lisa-Jo's place. This week the prompt is: Red

Officially, the rules are:

1. Write for 5 minutes  {To be honest, I usually break this rule ;) }

2. Link up at Lisa-Jo's  and invite others to join in.

3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community...