“of the eighth month”
1 Kings 12:32
August: the eighth month of the year, in the northern hemisphere usually considered the last month of summer. From Latin augustus, meaning “consecrated, venerable”. Named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.
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Truth be told, I’ve never been big fan of August. At least, not as far back as I can remember. It’s always too hot for me, and I’m always eager to get to Autumn, and the regular rhythm of the school year. To do that, I have to suffer through August, first.
But this August had a relaxed feeling to it. Well, not relaxed, really, because we were doing fair amount of work in the house, but it had a sort of free-form feeling. Not much in the way of expectations, because we’d kept the month open to do the work. Each day was the day it was meant to be.
So August was new floors in our bedroom, and a fresh clean paint job, and a new/old improved armoire. It is a celebration of hard work, and I thank God for the Apple of my Eye, and how he learns how to do new things, and do them well. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our parents. So every time I appreciate the satisfaction of our new room, I appreciate thoughtfulness and generosity, too.
August was our brand-new puppy and kitty. Calypso and Luna. So August had levity and activity and energy that we’d been missing since we lost our Holly and Hazel in March.
August was the county fair, in which my daughter had entered two photos, as she’s been doing for years. She won a red ribbon and a blue ribbon, and I’m thrilled to now have these photos hanging in my house.
August was coffee with a sweet friend, and conversation that always includes prayer and counsel and shared efforts to grow in our faith. It was also lunch with another friend, and conversation that always includes laughter and reminiscing about nearly thirty years of friendship.
August was a get-together with new and old friends in anticipation of Bible study starting in September. I’ll still be attending Community Bible Study, as I have for the past 15 years, but I’ll be going to a new class, so it was nice to meet some of the other women in the class.
August was my 24th wedding anniversary, and my parents’ 54th, and my in-laws’ 47th. There are few things more beneficial to a marriage than examples of successful marriage.
August was dinner with our oldest friends, with homemade pizza in their brand-new pizza oven, and riotous laughter.
August was barbecues, hot dogs and hamburgers, toasted marshmallows, and the last beach bonfire of the summer. It was sleeping late, watching movies, and being lazy with only a little guilt. August was friends and family, and memories to think about in Augusts to come.
I am abundantly blessed.
Light Expectations 