'church in the yard'...

 ... is what my co-worker calls his version of peace and serenity on a Sunday morning. Though I have been badgering and pestering him for years to participate in organized worship, he is not an attender. He reports he goes out and does his communing with the universe in his yard when he gets his lawn mower out and pushes it around when the grass needs attention. Or does the pine straw raking in the fall, to rearrange as it falls from trees and needs to be put out as mulch around the landscaping.

There are many who may appear to be 'unchurched' or just not supporters of Organized Religion, who find a sense of peace that comes with time spent out in the world, in a restful environment. Taking the time to sit quietly, with a cup coffee, early in the morning before the busyness of a day begins, deeply inhaling fresh air from the back steps. Or standing there on the deck, observing the quiet and solitude of the natural world, with your glass of orange juice, as the small creatures found in nature begin their daily activities.  Sitting at the breakfast table with your cup of hot tea that is part of your getting-ready-to-face-the-world routine, gazing out at the activities around the outdoor bird feeder. Just taking a moment to put your day, life, the universe in perspective before plowing ahead into the busy schedule a new day presents.

I appreciate it too - whether you get your 'church in the yard' time of tranquility early in the day or late in the afternoon. Mine occurred when I got home from a long day at work on Sunday afternoon. I have two bright red plastic, adirondack-type chairs out behind the house, where I can sit and be still, vegetate and ponder the universe. Hopefully with a friend for a bit of conversation and tall frosty glass of lemonade. Yesterday when I got home from nine-and-a-half hours of on my feets, I took the Sunday paper and a cold drink out to commune with nature on a beauty-full day. For the first time since the fall, found the time and space, as well as need for solitude, and sat in my yard. Read the newspaper on the actual day it was delivered - pretty unusual lately, as they have piled up for days without attention.

And had Church In The Yard. Thankful for peace, a secure place to live, health, family, a long list of things that I am frequently reminded are reasons for gratitude. Including the co-worker who enjoys his version of church-in-the-yard.