JULY

 

July

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (by Nat King Cole)

when our gardens display a rainbow of colors

when we celebrate July 4^th

our freedom and our nation's birth

when each morning we can't wait to see

what has bloomed, we're filled with glee

when birds serenade with song

early morning and all day long

when bees hum merrily

among the gaiety

when butterflies flutter here and there

sampling the tastiest fare

when the rainbow of flowers

welcomes afternoon showers

when cumulus clouds float dreamily overhead

or maybe there's an afternoon shower instead

when berries ripen under the sun

and taste sweet on one’s tongue

when blossoms of yellow and gold

fill the garden with wealth like gold

when vegetables grow by inches each day

and you harvest almost every day

when a breeze feels refreshing

after non-stop sweating

when grass grows despite the heat

as children run with bare feet

when sprinklers produce laughs

and children forfeit baths

when there's a perfumed scent

that seems to be heaven sent

when fireflies flash s-o-s,

then it's bed time, at last

oh, the joys of summer

when life seems funner.

* * * * *

If your house

is like my house

there's much work to be done

under the summer sun.

But a lesson I'm learning

is to take time for enjoying.

I sit outside to compose.

About what? Who knows?

Today I saw an ant transporting a dead moth.

Although I didn't look closely, I assume via his mouth.

I thought how strong the ant must be

for the moth was much larger than he.

"Mighty men of valor" came to mind.

Let's see what God places on my mind

for I don't know what I'm going to write

when I start a rhyme on paper white.

Valor means courageous, brave, gallant, a hero.

Cancer victims or those terminally ill come to mind or

those with limitations, rather mental or physical,

are courageous as each and every day is a struggle.

Those who care for these loved ones are courageous, too,

for every day brings more challenges anew.

They all bravely face unlimited burdens with grace

and are often seen with a smile on their face.

Of course, those mighty people of valor in the military.

Each and every one, rather home or abroad, allow us to be free.

And those who protect us in our towns

for we know there's much evil to be found.

These and other courageous, brave, gallant protectors

who quite often are forgotten, unsung heroes

survive each day through God's mercy and grace

throughout the universe, in every race.

Do you know someone you consider a "mighty person of valor?"

Be sure to tell them they are appreciated for they are a hero.

A compliment will long be remembered,

as well as a good habit to be practiced.

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon),

and said unto him,

The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

Judges 6:12 (KJV)

And the man, Jeroboam, was a mighty man of valor;

and Solomon, seeing the young man, that he was industrious,

made him ruler over all.

I Kings 11:28 (KJV)

And they helped David against the band of the rovers;

for they were all mighty men of valor,

and were captains in the host.

I Chronicles 12:21 (KJV)

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