Hey Sunday Letter friends,
This isn’t a full-blown Sunday Letter, just an abbreviated version to touch base. It’s been a rough few days in our family. My brother-in-law, Mark, passed away a week ago Saturday, and the service was yesterday. It was a lovely celebration of his life.
An excerpt from his obituary: Over forty years ago Mark fed a cardinal (he named The Pope) who would come when he whistled. Now, 150 of The Pope’s descendants, along with many other bird species, visit the feeders and bird baths, especially at sunset. Mark also enjoyed his daily morning “hot chocolate” drive. While on his drive, he visited with neighbors, dog treats in hand for their dogs.
In my opinion, you can tell a lot about someone by how he cares for feathered and furry friends.
Kindness Counts
This year has been such a mess in many ways, but I still look for simple joys every day.
Uplifting stories. Surprise lilies poking up from the ground. A chickadee visiting my feeder. A leaf dressed in camouflage. Kindness wherever it hides, waiting to be discovered.
Two weeks ago, I found it on my front steps. (I’ve already posted about this on Facebook, but I think this is worth sharing for those who only know me via this blog.)
How cute is this?
This pink pig left near our front porch steps is part of The Kindness Rocks Project. The mission of the project is this:
ONE MESSAGE AT JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT
CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S ENTIRE DAY, OUTLOOK, LIFE
When I found it, it certainly gave me a lift. And it continues to, every time I see it. Now, as recipient, I need to paint a rock and leave it in an unsuspecting place. Fun!
This is something we could all do to spread a little joy during a time that doesn’t feel all that joyful.
Just Around the Corner
As I type this Sunday Letter, the temperature in Fayetteville this morning is 48 degrees! Fall is officially two days away, but it came to visit early here in the Ozarks, and I, for one, am thrilled to feel it in the air and see it in the turning leaves.
Fall is my favorite season, and while this fall will be different (thanks Covid), it’s amazing what a simple drop in humidity and temperature can do for the soul.
Ordinary Time
In the Christian liturgical year, today is the twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time is the period outside of Advent, Christmastide, Lent, the Easter Triduum, and Eastertide.
I thought about this yesterday when I was feeling a bit pitiful, feeling as though we’ve been cheated out of most of our year due to a pandemic. And then I read from the Bible open on the lectern and remembered that we are living in Ordinary Time.
And I thought that maybe I needed to pause and remember the bigger picture. Remember that my life and those I know are blessed beyond what we will ever deserve. Remember that the grander plan isn’t always for me to understand.
I simply have to trust.
Thanks for being here, Sunday Letter friends. Next week, maybe I’ll have more to report (especially from Momma).
Here’s to the last Sunday of Summer in Ordinary Time.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
So sad for your family on the loss of Mark. He will be missed as I walk. I love the the thoughts on Ordinary time. I need to have more faith that all will work out. Thanks Talya.
Thanks Cathy. Mark was certainly a colorful guy in the neighborhood.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort. Thanks for taking time to share.
I am sorry to hear about your brother in law. I hope your wonderful memories of him help to bring you comfort and peace. You and your family are in my prayers.
This season is so about dealing with change . As loved ones depart this life I am reminded of the richness of having loved them.
So sorry for your family’s loss of Mark! 🙏
I’m so sorry about Mark. He must have been delightful. I pray all who loved him will find comfort as they share memories of him. The change of seasons is a reminder of how fleeting life is.
I like the rock idea and think I might borrow the it. Also, I loved the opening picture of the Autumn color and the monument. I don’t think I’d heard the ordinary time explanation before. Thanks for sharing that! Most of our days are ordinary yet made special by friends and family. Sure would like to sit on your porch with a cup of coffee and visit.