The Porch

 As Summer winds down I dread the evening of early darkness.  Although I do enjoy every other aspect of Fall.  I love the fact that I can grab a sweater and wrap up and feel warm against the cool chilly evenings.  I love the color of the leaves as they begin to change.  The occasional smell of wood burning stoves in the early morning reminds me of home when I was a child and my Mom would fix a fire first thing to take the chill off.  One of the pleasures I enjoyed most this Summer was sitting on my friends porch.  I have enjoyed walking and talking with God.  I resolved many things while in prayer this Summer.  With my walking shoes on, my head phones in, I would set out on the pavement- destination unknown.  God usually had my walks planned out.  Sometimes I would only see dogs, birds and cows.  Other times I visited with kids, passersby, neighbors that would beep the horn, strangers working on a fence and many times I would end up at a neighbors house.  We sat on the porch and shared a bottle of water or a cup of coffee and our problems.  We shared secrets, hopes, dreams, our hearts burdens and blessings!  God- always at the center of our talks- felt like he was right there on that porch with us.  When life gets busy and we have to balance our work life, home life, and our spiritual life, we have to make sure we get it all!  We can't be unbalanced!  So with "busy"ness in our lives make sure you have some "porch" time.  Even if the only ones on the porch are you and God.  When the darkness begins to fade into light and we know Spring is around the corner then we can renew our porchtime with neighbors and friends.  In the meantime, I look forward to some quality "porch" time with just me and my Heavenly Father!  I hope you will too :)