Early in July

Bethany Spring, Merton Institute for Contemplative Living, New Haven, KY

My baby sleeps with me; we lie beside one another on a fouton pulled out. There are no sounds but these: the breath in my nose, a faint call of a bird in the yard, the quiet hum of an air-conditioner cooling hard the house, and this pen rolling itself fast on the page, listening.

40. little one tugs my skirt

41. handmade quilt

42. quiet coffee on a bench

43. conversation with a fellow pilgrim

44. porch swings in Kentucky breeze

45. green all around

46. crunchy ice

47. salsilito turkey

48. fast air through windows

49. mayonnaise

And more:

50. home for the fourth of July

51. thrill of a toddler running downhill

52. messy clothes, painting the world with chalk

53. splashing water

54. simple joy from but a watering can

55. shared humor with old friends

56. bleu cheese inside a burger

57. black lines on dogs from the grill

58.tang of tonic water ( and some vodka too)

59. two girls in wonder before a dollhouse open for play

60. small things in small hands

61. sweet corn off the cob

62. giraffe: wonderful, God glory

63. penguin swims, little one points in awe

64. zoo to ourselves, little Eden

65. sweaty hot, feels clean, feels alive

66. water down the throat

67. little hand feeds little goat

68. ruffled cap sleeve around a tiny arm

69. crinkled nose, toothy elfish grin, my delight each time

God must really love me.