Embrace Contentment
This past weekend
Life presents us with various seasons, and I’m currently navigating one of those seasons now. The nearby fire and smoke have compromised the air quality this past week, and I'm trying to remain optimistic. It's fascinating how something as simple as sharing a morning coffee on the patio with my husband and our dog has been put on hold. While I miss those moments, I'm having to prioritize my well-being and discover new indoor activities, as if any indoor activity could replace the outdoors!
Hallelujah
We woke up to good air quality this morning, making it the perfect opportunity to sit on the patio and enjoy a walk outside. After a week without a good walk, I truly appreciated every moment of it!
And mall-walking doesn't do it for me!
We’re both navigating inside a "funk" right now!
While we still have the back of the house to paint and rocks to order, we’re forced to pause and reflect. As a couple who enjoys working with our hands, making our home a sanctuary for us, we truly thrive on working on projects. For us, too much leisure time seems dull. In times of fire, we always choose to stay near home. The unpredictable nature of the wildfires can send them raging in any direction, and our beloved animals are inside, relying on us to keep them safe. Being close to home gives us peace of mind and the ability to act quickly if needed.
Today, my husband seized the opportunity to paint the trim around our greenhouse kitchen window, taking advantage of the moment while we can.
Currently, the Green Fire is at 15,438 acres
13% containment
Interestingly, I've learned that the current fire strategy is to mostly let the fire burn itself out, which initially sounded surprising to me. Given the challenging terrain—high elevation, steep slopes, and deep canyons—it makes sense. There aren't any roads, and fighting the fire head-on would put our brave firefighters at severe risk.
This forest area benefits the environment from periodic fires, which are essential for the forest's health. They’re strategically using Shasta Lake and the Pit River to keep things under control. While the fire might continue until fall, it's reassuring to know that this plan is aimed at protecting both the firefighters and the ecosystem.
So I have to accept that the smoke will be a price to pay for everyone.
Boy, that fence needs painting.
During these times, it is hard for me to accept these types of challenges, as they show me how little control I have. It also shows me how selfish I can be - I want it my way. I don't want to be inconvenienced.
I must recognize God's sovereignty and embrace His contentment in these situations without complaining.
Just as a fire must burn through its fuel, so too will everything else in life find its path to resolution. The painting will get done eventually, and the rocks will find their place as well. Trust the process; it will all work itself out in its time.
Here's to clean air and a much-needed walk!
Debby
Years ago, when I still lived in the Denver area, we had terrible fires in the mountains that turned the daytime sky to a very literal orange and breathing was hard. I'm so sorry you're having to go through that kind of thing now. It's a "test of one's holiness" (as one Christian speaker phrased it).
ReplyDeleteWe've also experienced those orange days in the past, so I shouldn't complain. It could be worse.
DeleteNo smoke in my area (yet)-just heat and humidity. I feel the same way you do about being inside, but this too shall pass.
ReplyDeleteThere are fires in Colorado and Idaho now, so it depends on the jet stream whether or not they pay a visit to the Midwest.
DeleteIt's good that you stay close to home when the fires are blazing close to your area. That way you can just head on out if needed. So sorry you are getting the smoke from the fires. We haven't gotten it up here, and I'm thankful. Lovely words about embracing life as it is at the moment. I hope you will be able to take those walks soon and sit on the patio and have that cup of coffee. Hang in there. ; )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
**sent you an e-mail.
Praying for your air quality and that the fires will burn themselves out sooner rather than later. I know this is something you all have learned to live with, but I know it is still a time of anxiety and concern, for the reasons you stated. Yes, the outdoor chores will still be there when the time is right. Meanwhile, take advantage of the indoor time to do things that might otherwise get overlooked while you are outside! And yes, I know what you mean about taking walks. We haven't been able to take as many walks here lately either because of the high heat or the rain or our health issues. I know when you get out of the routine it is harder to get back into it. Legs get weak way too fast! Anyway, I pray for your safety and health and well being. God is with you always.
ReplyDeleteWe had air quality alerts both Monday and Tuesday due to the Canada wildfires burning North of us. It was pretty hazy both days along with the humidity. Did not go outside except to get the mail and my car from the mechanics. I sure hope the fire does go out by itself. Janice
ReplyDeleteAfter weeks of being affected by the fires in the north of Canada with bad air quality, today (and yesterday) were suitable to be outside. So nice to be able to get out and not worry about the fine particulates getting in my lungs. I do wear a mask on those really smokey days outside. I hope your fire goes out by itself. Ours are likely to burn underground in the muskeg over the winter just to spring forth when the weather warms up. That is what happened last winter.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I read about that- Zombie Fires. That is crazy. I never knew that can happen. Gosh I wish there was something that can put them out permanently.
DeleteI have a mask but I hate wearing things like that, the monitor and the shoulder harness back when I had surgery. I can’t stand contraptions that I have to wear. Maybe a slight form of claustrophobia???
I hate you are having all that smoke - it would bother my asthma for sure. Wear a mask. I hope the fires do go out by themselves?? Sorry you are going through some thoughts and trials. It's always hard. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Debby! We move closer to God when we humbly admit that we are NOT in control. He is the only One who knows our days and will order them as He sees fit. I do hope and pray that you will experience relief from the smoke and heat soon. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right. One day at a time and in God's timing.
ReplyDeleteI understand your concern for your animals. Fire can be so unpredictable. It seems to be everywhere at present.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family at this difficult time. Keep safe. As Martha said, we should trust the Lord always and praise Him.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
We are having a smoke haze in our air here, and it is not good air quality again. You are dealing with a much worse situation. I surely hope you get your walk you need. We are finally getting a treadmill soon. It's much needed for my husband, as he will not go to a gym, but he needs more physical activity (me too apparently). I much prefer the outdoors, but between the heat, rain, etc it's not been happening.
ReplyDeletePrayers that the air quality is good today. You are right...we take for granted those calm days when we can sit on the patio and just enjoy the fresh air and a good cup of coffee.. Looks like you all are making great progress in your repairs and painting. We need to paint as well, but looks like we will have to hire it done this year. I am so thankful that God is in control of the things that sometimes overwhelms us. Take care Debby...hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeletewildfires are scary. one of the first years we moved to Missouri for our retirement (we lived in the woods) a huge fire was coming right towards us-we had to turn it back to keep it from getting to our buildings-that was scary stuff for sure. the air quality would be a real for us too
ReplyDeletetake care
Great reminder how easily we feel 'inconvenienced' ... annoyed by changes out of our control. These wildfires are seriously concerning. After seeing the aftermath of what happened to my hometown back in 2000 (Cerro Grande fire), my prayers go out to all those first-responders.
ReplyDeleteTrust the process, indeed!
I would also be concerned about the animals, I can remember having the smell of smoke around here many years ago when there was a bushfire nearby it was terrible
ReplyDeleteWe've had air quality issues off and on this summer due to the Canadian wildfires, but nothing compared to what you are dealing with. Hoping you get an abundance of fresh air soon!
ReplyDelete