Quiet thoughts while mowing

The sense of accomplishment after it’s done. Being able to see the results of your labor. The smell of fresh-cut grass. Being outside in the sunshine and getting exercise. The uninterrupted time to think.

These are just a few of the numerous reasons people like to mow their lawn. Occasionally I’ll listen to a podcast or music when I’m mowing, but I think I’ve always enjoyed mowing for the uninterrupted time to think.

My top 10 thoughts this week while mowing 4-acres:

1. I need to carry my to-do list and a pen, so I won’t forget to weed the apiary garden and tulip-poplar bed for the third week in a row. Yikes, the weeds are bad this year.

2. Note to self: Add more butterfly weed plants (Asclepias tuberosa) near existing ones.

3. Don’t forget to water the dwarf conifers. We put in way too many conifers this year.

4. That was a great study on Revelations 2-3 this week. If it’s repeated, it’s important. The question is, can I remember the repeated phrases in each of the seven letters to the churches? “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” I like the version that says, “Whoever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says…” Basically God is addressing us all; “Janet, you got ears, don’t ya? Then listen up!”

5. I can’t believe Drew turned 9-years-old this week! And Nev will be a senior. Prayers for my Mom and Steve’s Mom and my nieces and nephews and my daughters and son-in-laws.

6. Don’t forget the Greenwood Freedom Festival is Saturday and the Whimsy & Blooms Vintage and Handmade Garden Market was rescheduled for July 10. Make plans.

7. I need to get my hair done. And it’s way past time to replace my workout shoes.

8. I wonder when they’re going to be done with the State Road 37/Interstate 69 frontage road … I need to find a partner to start a podcast — someone who likes to laugh. (Obviously totally unrelated thoughts.)

9. I need to finish three essays this week and one query.

10. I wonder what normal people think about when they mow?

As I finished mowing the creek, I continued to wonder, “What DO other people think about when they mow?”