The dog days have settled in, draping the land in a heavy quilt of heat. Morning light is soft, with a whisper of cool, but by noon the sun stands high and unyielding. The air hangs still, except for the slow sway of grass in a hot breeze.

The pastures lie quiet under their summer haze. Horses doze in the shadows of the trees, tails flicking at flies. Down by the stock tanks the cattle stand neck-deep in the water, not in any hurry to leave. Even the dogs have given up chasing anything that moves, choosing instead to sprawl in the shade or take a cool dip in the water troughs.

This is the season for rising early, coffee cup in hand my hands as the early birds sing. Work gets done before the sun bears down too hard, and the long, hot hours are made for slowing down a bit. Come evening, the sky catches fire.  Wide strokes of orange and red, fading slow into violet. The air cools, the whippoorwills sing, and the day stretches out what seems like forever.

The dog days teach patience while looking forward to cooler days of fall. 

Until next time, be kind to each other and stay cool!

xoxo

Cindy

James 1:3-4