July 22, 2003 10:08 A.M.

Downside of Summer

I love this photo. I am not sure why. It doesn’t show much. But if you gaze at it a while, you began to sense the heat on the lava rocks; the smack of the waves against the breakwater; and an occasional cool spray of dampness in the breeze. I crept right up to the water’s edge to look down and take this shot, balancing carefully on each rock as I made my way.

This is a longer shot at the same location.

And the Ventura Marina tide basin.

We are definitely on the down-side of Summer. The flowers in my garden burst their little buttons, in Spring and early Summer, and then the heat hits. A potted flower garden sitting on a concrete patio doesn’t do too well in the heat. If they get too much water, they get root rot. But if they are not kept moist, they can wither in a night! My little hydrangeas are in a constant cycle of perky and droopy…perky and droopy. After a couple of days of scorching heat with a slight wind, they look like goners, and then a good cool drink of water….and voila! Back up and smiling again.

Summer IS the shortest season, you know. Isn’t that true of anything long awaited? A much anticipated visit from a friend, a needed sum of money, a planned vacation, …even an ordinary weekend? All are like a scrumptious holiday dinner. Much anticipated; much preparation and effort to perfect, - gone in a flash and only a memory.

My how melancholy…but true. And I know what you are thinking, …. all of life is this way too. So much more the reason to “seize the day”, right?

And “only a memory”, is not a bad thing. In fact, that is what life consists of. A compilation of memories. Everything we do creates a memory. Not only for ourselves, but for our children, grandchildren, friends and others. Life, is a memory making business.

One new translation of Proverbs 4:23 says, “Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.”

So I suppose, that if all of our lives we are in the business of creating our own memory album, we need to be diligent about two things. Quantity and quality control.

At least, this is the sermon I am preaching to myself.

So thanks for stopping by, sitting a spell, and …“carpe diem”.

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