Mother Nature threw a hissy fit on the East Coast this week — first an earthquake, and then a hurricane. Somebody really must have brought on her wrath. Speaking of nature, Suzy had me hitting balls on the tennis court to her this weekend (She’s taking the game back up, and I make a pretty good backboard). So in the morning sun, I found myself searching for one of God’s greatest inventions – shade. It is a gift most appreciated this time of year, especially that kind that’s accompanied by a breeze. Although a much written about phenomena by southern novelists, shade is not appreciated like it should be. I’m not talking about the shade that skyscrapers put out in New York City or Chicago, that shade never moves and hardly brings comfort or enjoyment. No I’m talking about the shade that covers a front porch and attracts a breeze, good conversation, and a pitcher of lemonade. God gets a lot of credit for the sun, the moon, and the stars, but seldom do we praise God for shade, except when we search for it underneath a tree to escape the blazing sun. We don’t think of reflection and shade in the same breath very often, but if ever a gift of God is in some way a reflection of God, then shade is it, and the wonderful comfort it brings. It is a wonderful image of his love. Shade also evokes wonderful memories of our youth, young love, and Mother Nature at her best, not when she’s having a hissy fit.
PS: Shade, especially for those of us who grew up in the South brings forth a washtub full of memories. Let me know what is your favorite memory.
Leave a Reply +