30 Minute Days

I awoke this morning to some "chilly" temperatures. Compared to the scorching heat of the past month and a half. Today's daybreak temp of 62* feels like winter could just be around the corner. Despite the fact it isn't due for another 4 months. Lon had asked me just this past Saturday if it "would ever get cool again." I jokedly responded ~ "Yea, in January!" Having no idea at the time that this "cool spell" was even in the making. Coming to greet us 2 days later on this very morning.

Not having a TV leaves us with a limited knowledge of what is going on beyond our front door. A good thing for the most part, as there isn't any expectations. Instead we move through our days letting the world unfold around us. Taking what the Lord provides with grateful hearts and a deeper dependency on HIS provisions for us. There is always surprises that thrill and challenge us at every turn, a benefit of not knowing what to expect in our daily lives. I have learned blessings can and do come in many different looking packages. Being always present in our lives for our enjoyment. We need to only have a receptive heart to unwrap them.

As I sat on the porch this morning with a chill on my skin and a cup of coffee by my side. (The first in several weeks, as I had quit drinking it. Favoring instead hot herbal teas as my morning beverage.) But a day like today, with this kind of hint of relief from the heat begged for a cup of tamed coffee. A sweet treat as I pondered the gift of this day, along side of the thoughts that were reeling me towards Autumn. A season that is a lot closer on the horizon than I've given thought to. Give the air a subtle brushing of cooler air and my mind scoots towards the pursuits enjoyed during the days of FALL. Warm quilts, colorful leaves, hometown high school football, porch sitting, seasonal decorations, campfires, pots of steamy soups, and crafting.

I know the relief from the heat is only a temporarily lull, but it sure feels nice. I've already noticed the sun slipping across the horizon towards shorter days. For it is no longer shinning through the back of the house, heating up our living space with the late afternoon slant of the sun. The mornings seem to be breaking at a later time as well, as the evening hours creeping up steadily on the face of the clock to an earlier hour of the day. We are steadily moving out of Summer towards the shorter days of Autumn to be sure.

The kittens are getting braver in their discovery adventures on the front porch. Venturing down the steps and under the bushes more. That is until a hen passes by too close for their comfort. Forcing them to scamper back up the steps to a perceived place of safety. They are resting more quietly since Leah, our granddaughter left yesterday.


Her constant attention and loving was a challenge of patience on their part. I'm so glad she can experience the fun of not one but two kittens to play with. I had to wait 55 years before I had the pleasure. At 5 she is able to see, hear, learn and experience more here at the farm. Than she ever would have at our old house.

I really should get busy with my home chores for today. But find it hard to pull away from this wonderful day in the making. There is more than plenty for my day to be done. Probably always will be as long as we live here. The needs of the farm are too great and my interests too wide, to be still for very long. Seeing what needs to be addressed at any moment is easy. Ignoring such things for moments of quieted rest of body and mind are more of a challenge.

So on days like this I often have "30 Minute Days". They are sort of like a game for me, allowing me to enjoy both the work I need to do while playing at the same time. It's rather simple to do by setting a timer for 30 minutes and working like crazy till it goes off. Then resetting it for another 30 minutes and doing something I enjoy or nothing at all. Repeating the 30 - 30 activity until I call my day done. Give me an hour and I will get too comfortable with my play. Fifteen minutes at a time and I can loose focus. It truly is amazing how much I can get accomplished in these little splashes of time through out the day. I think mainly because I'm not locked into an ALL-DAY work mode. Having playtime punctuated through out the day helps to keep my interest peaked to get my work done. Cause I know playtime is right around the corner. I will never lack for something to do that's for sure. But unlike my "city dwelling" friends, I get the pleasure of pursuing them in the quiet, peaceful arena of our farm. Thank you Lord for the gift!

Setting my timer for 30 minutes ~
Deborah