I remember clearly the day she arrived.
I wasn't really prepared. I mean we
expected to see her. We hoped that
she'd at least visit for awhile. But with
her you never know.
Once I knew she was back in town I
hurried to get things ready. We even
had a place she could stay this time
but she chose to stay elsewhere.
I prepared a meal for her just the way
she liked it and had it ready for the next
time I saw her. She had a friend but
for some reason he rarely stopped by.
As the summer began the warm days
were welcome but the hotter days
ahead really took its toll.
Later, as luck would have it, she invited
her own family along so this made her visits
even more exciting.
We have a big yard and a wonderful garden
where both of them loved to spend time together.
They apparently found a place to stay nearby
that fit their needs and often would stop by
unexpectedly. I didn't mind at all.
The last few days of summer turned cooler
almost cold overnight. I knew they love the
warmer climates and the longer this cold
spell lasted the sooner they'd be leaving.
Marianne and I worked in the garden all day
yesterday.
"I wonder where they are. They usually stop by
around this time," I said.
"I know," she replied with a sad tone. "Maybe
they left already."
"Without one last goodbye?" I added.
It was true. We spent the entire day in that yard
and never once did we see them.
Our hummingbirds headed south on the long journey
home leaving us with only memories of summer.
I will keep the sweet feeders out for others who may
be passing through from further north of us. All
are welcome.
We will tend to the flowers until the first frost and
the onset of winter forces us inside.
Gardening and caring for the birds makes me feel
more connected to God. I believe we are called as
proven in Genesis 1:28-30
- 28 "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful
and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky
and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
- 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing
plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree
that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food
- 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds
in the sky and all the creatures that move along the
ground -- everything that has the breath of life in it --
I give every green plant for food." And it was so."
Our little garden, our feeding the birds and preparing the
nectar for our hummingbirds is a small way of giving back
for so very much that has been given us.
Still, "She left without saying goodbye."
"I wish you enough!"
J
~ Bob Perks ~
Good news - Bob Perks' first book, "I Wish You Enough," Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments... is now available for ordering. Here's the "Link"
to get your copy of Bob's book:
I Wish You Enough from Amazon.com.
