nature
Oh What A Beautiful Morning
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Oh What A Beautiful Morning
Today was absolutely one of those most beautiful days—one that stays etched in your brain. The first breath of fall was in the morning air as we walked along the river’s edge. The water was as smooth as silk, and you could see the water ripple as the early insects searched for breakfast, and actually became breakfast, instead. I wanted to sing out the familiar chorus from Oklahoma….oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day!
When I walked into the house from my brisk journey home down Main Street, I just could not bear to stay inside. Even though there were baskets of clean clothes to fold, I poured my cup of coffee and settled on the front porch. Again, the beauty of the river just drew me there, and I left the comfort of the wicker chair and walked down to Havens Garden. The river in the morning has an indescribable smell—like the heaviness of the previous night slowly evaporating into the sunlight. As I peered into the water’s edge, I spied blue crabs feeding on the algae of the rocks. As my shadow crossed over them, they scattered like scared chickens, shuffling sideways in the sand.
I thought of the many times we’d look out and see people crabbing, and say we were going to do that sometime, but hadn’t. So, why not? I’m retired, right? Back to the house I go to gather all the necessary equipment– drop nets, string, chicken from the freezer, and dip nets. Down to the river’s edge I plant my chair and begin the greasy, smelling baiting of the nets and string. I watched as the crabs approached cautiously and “took the bait”. I also watched as they escaped the reach of my net. I was able to catch ONE crab—he was a keeper, a big one. But, he looked too lonely in that bucket of mine. So I released him to freedom.
But, my real joy was not in the catching of the crabs, but the total experience—soaking in the blue sky, feeling the slight breeze in my hair, and waving to the train engineer as he passed within a few feet of my perch. I felt so free to be able to curtail all tasks and just do something for the pure fun of doing it.
One phrase stayed in my mind all day…this is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. What a glorious day it was! Such simple joy!
Until later,
De Ja Vu