Fresh Cut Grass

Year 6 - Day 210: Today, I am grateful for the scent of fresh cut grass.

The summer is slipping away. One of the joys of living in the Midwest is the changing seasons. 

For many, including my guys who do the mowing, the change in seasons means it will soon be time to put the mower away. They look forward to it, and I completely understand. It is a job keeping up with yard work! In the fall, the work still exists, but it changes. We aren't quite there yet.

Today, we can still take in the scent that follows cutting the grass. Scentsy had "Fresh Cut Grass" as a scent for a time. It makes a reappearance every once in awhile to the joy of those who love it. It is a clean, green scent. 

This time of year, it is easy to start feeling the disappointment of grass that isn't as green because the summer sun has baked it or pets have taken their toll. When we fall into the trap of comparing our yard to the others that seem in better shape for the moment. We start to covet the grass on the the other side of the fence. 

"If the grass looks greener on the other side... stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining. Start watering the grass you are standing on." -Angel Chernoff

There are times we all need a gentle reminder to be grateful that we have a yard, grass to cut and a mower that works. The scent of fresh cut grass in the air is a present reality. 

King David had a full life of walking with the Lord. He learned to trust him as a child and lived a big life. Still, he had moments that he needed to remind himself of God's infinite, endless goodness. Perhaps, that was his mood when he penned the 23rd Psalm. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. -Psalm 23:1-3a

The 23rd Psalm is like a deep, clean, green breath of fresh air. As a child, I associated it with sadness, because it was used at nearly every funeral I attended. As an adult, I read "Traveling Light" by Max Lucado and fell in love with this lyrical piece of scripture. We try to carry burdens on our own, but God says: "Rest. I've got this. Trust me. I will take care of you. I will feed you. Death cannot hurt you, when you are mine. I will never leave you." 

My friend Julie, teaches this passage as a memory verse to young children. What a good thing to have in their memory "cloud" for downloading anytime they need it. It is a personal and full of hope. It is fresh and new each time it is said and read. 

Learning scripture, seeding it in the hearts of the young so it can grow, keeps it written on their hearts. Ready when then need it. It keeps us focused on God's goodness and his very really presence in our daily lives. Each time we recite it, it is like the smell of fresh mown grass. A delight to the senses. 

Today, I am grateful for the scent of fresh cut grass.