Good Intentions

Whatever happened to the lazy, hazy days of summer? Ok, hazy still often applies during the summer months in these mountains of Southwest Virginia. But somewhere along the way the lazy days I remember so sweetly from my youth slipped away…

Yesterday, my nephew Noah’s Cub Scout Pack caravanned up from their somewhat more urban North Carolina surroundings and landed in my neck of the woods with plans to bike along the Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus, Virginia. I met them in Damascus and brought my sister-in-law, Kimberly, back to Abingdon for lunch at Pop Ellis Soda Shoppe & Grill—the newest hot spot in town for lunch. After enjoying a couple of grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, we made a too-quick tour of the Virginia Highlands Festival ...just long enough for Kimberly to purchase the obligatory bag of kettle corn, which I suspect didn’t even make it to Wytheville on their trip home. Then it was time to head back to Damascus and meet the trail-weary boys (and men). Everyone made it off of the mountain in one piece—victory!

On my way home, I stopped at our local vineyard. I'd talked with friends about taking an after-work trip to Abingdon Vinyard and Winery, but we hadn't made it happen yet. So I took the opportunity to go on my own (hey, I was in the neighborhood). My only regret this visit was that I didn’t have time to take a tour and enjoy a glass of wine in the shade beside the South Holston River. At home later, as I was riding in my own personal rodeo, leveling my weeds (you’ll understand if you’re a regular reader), I thought, “This was a good day.”

Today was another good day. Filled with worship, music, and a sweet infant baptism at historic Madam Russell United Methodist Church in Saltville, Virginia. (Welcome to God's big, wonderful world Anna Marie Patman Petty!) My day may not have been lazy, but it was definitely another one to savor. Grilling chicken on my back deck in the cool of the evening, I recognized one of many differences between my childhood and my adult years: The days of summer don’t stretch out endlessly for me anymore, with absolutely nothing to do. Now there’s always more to do than I can get done. But to truly make the most of each day, I have to be intentional about enjoying all of the gifts God sends my way.

With my youngest heading off to college in a month, I’m making a vow to be intentional about some things I’ve let slide lately… I want to be intentional about writing, and that includes more blog posts. I want to be intentional about reading more good books, trying new recipes, staying in touch with friends, and enjoying the many cultural opportunities my community has to offer. I want to be intentional about seeing the BIG PICTURE. And I want to be intentional about listening to God and being available to Him, wherever He may lead me.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” ~ Psalm 34:8 (NIV)