I found awe in several places. As I sat in the waiting room for my PET scan, an older couple sat across from me. She was beginning to crochet something with red yarn. Her husband, I assume, was sitting next to her holding the ball of yarn. Although I doubt that yarn holding takes much skill, it was obvious he had done this before. He knew the routine. "How long has this been going on?" I wondered. Long-time love is rather amazing. There were probably hundreds, if not thousands, of times when one or other wondered about continuing. But they did. Apologize. Kiss and make up. You get another chance.

And while I was lying on the "sled" that goes in and out of the machine, and the nurse had started the contrast dye in my IV, she said' "You'll feel a little warm." I knew that. How many times have I done this? But this time I was absolutely amazed to realize how quickly my heart had pumped that dye from my arm to my buttocks. I told the tech I am awed by the human body's functions. 

And I share this photo I shot in downtown St. Louis several summers ago. Can kids have any more fun by getting wet on a hot day? And so much fun to watch! Probably why I love to do it too.

A change of pace with and a black and white image. Another moment of awe in my backyard with the Sango Maple tree and a ray of late afternoon sunshine. I'm filled with awe.

Yesterday, I referenced a study about the effect of awe as one walks, observing nature, good deeds, the interactions of others, listening to music, etc. Essentially, being ready to encounter or experience awe, which is different from fear or joy, changes your brain. One conclusion about the participants in the study was that as they looked for awe, they found more and more. Our patterns and expectations change. I have needed awe these past two weeks and anticipate I will need to bathe in it during all the coming days.

And the notion of taking a daily walk to put oneself in a place where awe can be experienced was fascinating to me. I can't leave my yard without awe.

Yesterday, I noticed the sun shining through this leaf of one of our dogwood trees. Different from just a week ago. 

I learned about "Awe" Walks this week. Scientists encouraged a group of people, 75 and over, to take weekly walks and notice wonder around them. The wonder could be nature, children, art, music, good deeds. The result is "the disappearance of self". Dacher Keltner, the author of "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life" noted when experiencing awe, the "one region of the brain is deactivated--the default mode network. That is where all the self-representational take place: I'm thinking about myself, my time, my goals, my strivings, my checklist. That quiets down during awe." Researchers also found a decline in pain and distress in the walkers. More awe needed.

I noticed this yesterday along my fence, honeysuckle blooming. I am awed by these blooms, although this is out of season. Climate warming?  

There are some things nice about living in Tennessee. We have met wonderful people. Lots of BBQ but not enough catfish for Judy. We watched Maddy grow from kindergarten through high school. And then there are sunsets.

Summer is clearly over, and autumn is drawing to a close as well. The forecast for the coming week includes frost. Many leaves are on the ground and the structure of the trees is revealed. Can't hide now. I noticed the young buck beyond the fence twice this past week. The pool temperature is finally below 60 degrees. Birds seem to be everywhere, and Judy's garden is nearly asleep. Why does the sunset come so early? Is it like this every year? It could be an opportunity to pause without distractions and see what couldn't be seen last week.

One possibility for the preacher today is the epistle lesson which includes Hebrews 10:23-25, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

My personal response to the elections and subsequent news is horror and discouragement. Not helpful for someone who gets blue from time to time. So, ponder with me "how to provoke one another to love". I usually associate provoke with negative actions and emotions, like anger. My colleagues had a fun discussion about this word this past Wednesday. "Provoke" includes an edgy aspect. Another possibility is "stir up". It's more than encourage. Eugene Peterson added a dimension, pushing it a little possibly, writing, "how inventive we could be in encouraging love..."  Oh, and the list of those I am challenged to love is endless. And I question, how do I love those who are unloving, and worse? 

The summons presented by this call is not about "them", but "us". And it appears that it's a mutual challenge. I cannot do this by myself, nor can you.

This photo is part of a wonderful, outdoor, sculptured trio of musicians in Loveland, Colorado. Calling us to a different attitude and confession of hope, made real in love and good deeds.

Subtle image for a Saturday.