Last night, I stood on the porch that overlooks our fishpond and listened to the happy song of frogs and crickets in the evening quietness. The sweet fragrance of four o’clocks filled the cool night air. In the distance, a slow moving train passed through our town, going who knows where.

It is the feeling of peace I find at the end of the day that always draws me to my back porch, no matter what time of the year. It is a good place to unwind and let the cares of life fall away.

One by one, I prayed for my family. There have been times when I wasn’t sure if those close to my heart were safe, out of harm’s way. My heart was filled with gratitude that this is not one of those times and those I care about are safely in their homes, in their beds.

My family. We have grown from just the two of us and now, especially on holidays, our table is full. Some of us are where we have lived for years  and others live too far away. One granddaughter is now at “Bama (Roll Tide),” living on campus and enjoying college life.  Our 9th grader is loving high school and looks forward to school each morning. And we have little ones who are sleeping peacefully after their first day of school (first grade and K2).

Our fur baby, Daisy Mae, sleeps soundly at the foot of our bed, dreaming of how many figs she will eat tomorrow when she raids the fig trees and how many sticks she will find as she explores the gardens.

Thankful for the goodness of God. His faithfulness is a sure thing, on good days and those that are a challenge.

For the past two months, the shingles virus has reared its ugly head time and again. I’ve dealt with this for almost two years. It brings with it exhaustion.

I know the reason these flareups come. It’s called overdoing, overextending, and not enough rest. I’ve tried to meet too many writing deadlines, gathered and preserved enough vegetables to feed an army, and the list goes on. But even so, shingles and all, life is good and God is forever faithful.

Night after night, as each day ends, I will come again to my back porch to meet with my Creator, count my blessings, and pray for my family, one by one.

God’s faithfulness never ends. When I think of the promise that His faithfulness never ends, I rest and sleep in peace.

He is the keeper of my days.