The Back Page
By Sue Ferguson
I am sitting on our back porch writing this month's back page wearing my long pants and feeling the cool breeze reminding me that fall is upon us. I wonder, where did the summer go? It always seems to go so quickly, and it is such a nice season. A season of no school for the kiddos, rich, beautiful gardens, and the sight of campers and RVs coasting down the highways en route to their favourite destinations. God gave us such a wonderful gift in the seasons. Even though the summer seemed to fly by, but did you enjoy any special moments? Did you learn anything new?
As it was a particularly hot summer, it was seeing my dog Bennett enjoy some little things that made me stop and think of focusing on the simple things of life. After our morning walks, he would stand beside the tap on our back yard waiting so he could get a cold drink right out of the hose. I remember doing that as a kid, and if the hose had been sitting in the sun and you didn't wait for it to run a bit, you would get a mouthful of warm water that tasted like rubber. Drinking from the hose usually led to a water fight too. Whoever had control of it was the instigator. Fun and simple times.
Bennett also enjoyed just lounging in his tiny little pool with only a couple of inches of water in it. He looked so happy and content. We used to swim in the creek at Cedar Street Park here in Simcoe as kids. I look at it now and think “yikes”, but back then it was a simple pleasure.
We live in a society where many people are not content with simplicity, and they seem to want more. Bigger houses, nicer vehicles, boats, glamorous vacations, and the next big technical invention. I am guilty of thinking that way sometimes too, but then in the end, God has ways of reminding me that the simple things can bring even more joy.
We rented a cottage on Paint Lake in Dorset this summer with my parents. The cottage was small, but the location was incredible. There were many beautiful moments, most of which were spent on the water, or around the table. Cottage breakfasts are the best. There is nothing like the smell of bacon and eggs cooking while sipping a nice warm cup of coffee. I also enjoyed fishing with my Dad one day just the two of us. We didn't catch much, but it was nice to be out in his little boat and just spend time together. It reminded me again of being a kid and going out with him at our family cottage on Hay Lake. Again I am reminded of how lucky I was to be able to go north every summer and make memories. Another highlight of our trip was sitting on the dock and watching Kait and Bennett swim in the lake. They are both in their glory when they are swimming, especially in the crystal clear waters of a northern lake.
We had a sky full of stars on the clear nights, and we would lay on the lounge chairs out on the dock and look for shooting stars. It was beautiful to see. God gives us so much to enjoy in nature, if we just stop and take the time to look. I hope you enjoyed some nice moments over the summer. It took my dog to remind me to focus on the small things that can bring us joy. To take time and be content with what I have, instead of what I think I want and need. Simplicity is a blessing, and God is good.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1
