Summer in Full Bloom

Summer is in full bloom here on the prairie. The daisies have outdone themselves. We’ve picked the first ripe tomatoes. The waist-high fields of soft yellow clover look like something painted by Monet. They give off a sweet scent that erases every negative thought about living in the far north. Life is good!

When summer is short, as it is here, you must take advantage of every fair day. Our friends invited us for a joyride in their Mustang convertible the other evening. We cruised past those clover fields and cut through the river bottoms to spend some time on the shore of the Missouri River.

We also go to the ballpark each week to watch the Blue Jays play. There is no better entertainment than watching pint-sized boys learning the game, their huge one-size-fits all shirts tucked artlessly into their pants.

They are all in the same ballpark, so to speak, just learning the game. Yes, you must touch one base before going to another. If you actually catch the ball, the batter is automatically out, so don’t throw it to first base. It’s also good to know that sometimes when you are running the bases, the voices shouting, “Go! Go!” belong to the other team.

It’s hilarious fun watching their enthusiastic play. Their coach is persistent and patient. The onlookers cheer for each boy’s success. The boys’ skill grows with each game.

Oh, the optimism of youth who dream of making a homerun! They are so willing to take a chance, to steal the next base and keep running. And some of them, against all logic, will make a homerun, just because they have the moxy to run the bases (and the other team is looking for the ball in a patch of weeds.)

What if every morning we adults woke up ready to make a homerun in our lives? What if our enthusiasm overruled our logic and propelled us to do great things for others and for God?

This prairie girl can imagine the Lord smiling when we give something our best, whether we are playing outfield, second base or it’s our turn to bat. Like an engaged, doting parent or grandparent, I can almost hear Him shouting, “Go! Go!” We can be assured He is always on our team.

The following verse became very real to me when I set out to publish “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek.” Recently I’ve been hearing or seeing it again almost every day. It feels like God’s private word for me, but it is certainly a promise for everyone who trusts in Him.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1: 6. That says to me I’m not alone in this life. If I trust Him, God will help me no matter what ball is thrown at me.

Wishing you all a joyride on a clover-scented day and a chance to hit a “homerun.”

 NOTES TO READERS: The Prairie Lighthouse blog is moving to www.gaylelarsonschuck.com. Please put this new address in your Favorites folder and send the news to friends who may be interested.

Also, “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek” is now available at Anchor Christian Counseling in Bismarck. Their counseling service has offered hope and help to myriads people. Check it out at: www.anchco.com.