This early morning, I am grateful for so many things.

Before the day began yesterday to start the week, a bird was the first song I heard as I opened my eyes and saw the introduction of light through the blinds.

It was Monday morning, and Sam opened windows and turned on the attic fan to let in unseasonable fresh, cool air for a mid-July morning.

We reflected for a moment on the very nice weekend that included no Ethics homework but instead, 1) a beautiful, cloudy, cool Saturday morning at the farmer’s market, 2) dinner out, just the two of us for a change, 3) time spent with my brother and Dad, 4) a few hours to catch up on one of our favorites, Blacklist.

At one point during the weekend, I was sitting at the piano, playing some hymns for my peace, and when I finished, I realized Dad was sitting in the room listening. “I needed that today.” So did I, Dad, so did I.

It was such a nice weekend.

Funny thing though, this Tuesday morning, summer has returned like an unwanted electric blanket.

But that cardinal was just as happy today as yesterday.

I am not a fan of summer. Or humidity. Or mosquitoes and chiggers and ticks. Or clothes that show how squishy and untanned I am. I am a fan of fans. And air conditioning. And shade. And a dry breeze. And Avon Skin-so-Soft or Deep Woods Off.

I was just reading in Philippians 4, because that cardinal seemed to be a message I needed right now. “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” – The Message version

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely, and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free!
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I want to be like that early morning cardinal. Content no matter my circumstances, no matter the “weather” of the moment.

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I am grateful for blessings of unseasonable weather gifts.

I am grateful for time spent with my brother – happy birthday, Dwight!

I am grateful for every moment I have with my Daddy, because those moments will one day be memories.

I am grateful for a light at the end of the tunnel for this summer class and I am also grateful for a stretching of my thoughts and beliefs.

I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue this higher education, even if I am 40 years late to class.

I am grateful for time spent with Sam, just the two of us.

I am grateful when June bugs stay over there, far, far away from over here.

And I am grateful for the way God speaks to me sometimes, like through the song of a cardinal outside my window.