It was a magical evening.....the moon was full, and there was a soft breeze blowing out of the south. As the sun was setting, the clouds were the most gorgeous mix of pinks, reds, yellows, purples and blues. One of my daughters remarked that it almost felt like being at the beach at night-standing at the water's edge, feeling the delicious warm wind on her face.
I was just finishing up at the lovely little winery where I hold tastings and sell wine. The girls had come up from the barn and kept me company up until closing time. (I am so blessed that my boss lets us be together like this.) The farm where I work is nestled in between green rolling orchards that are filled with apple, peach and cherry trees intermingled with lush vineyards. Our spectacular backdrop is Big Mountain, which looms up from the valley. It is just breath taking and I can almost imagine being on the Tuscan hillside as I take in the view.
Tonight is one of those nights where we realize it's not necessary to say much; each of us seems to understand and communicate perfectly without talking. The fireflies dot the landscape and a couple bats are swooping for insects.
We decide to go see the horses for a quick visit on our way home. As we pull up to the barn, we can see the herd is peacefully grazing on a hill, their outlines silhouetted by moonlight. As I get out of truck, I can feel the warm breeze rush up to greet me again-filled with the smell of honeysuckle and mowed grass. My mare hears the door as I shut it, and she nickers from the group. Curiosity fills her companions, and everyone raises their heads to see who the visitors are. Snorting and breathing heavy, they cautiously approach us as we make our way to where they are. It is light enough to make everything look like it is bathed in silver. Dancer comes up to me and brushes her velvet nose against my cheek, releasing a sigh. She leans in to me and asks me to rub her withers. Content, she drops her head and begins grazing again. The girls and I are all standing with our horses, feeling the summer wind and enjoying the back lighting of the moon. Stars dot the sky, and the trees that border the field softly swish their leaves with the breeze. It's too early for crickets yet, but we hear a killdeer scolding us from a distance to stay away from her nest.
What a beautiful evening to enjoy just for the sheer beauty of it all. The herd is peaceful and in harmony, and inside each of us is a feeling of pure joy and contentment. It is the feeling of knowing that nothing can ever buy this beautiful stitch in time and that God is giving this gift to us with infinite love and care. It is a moment like this where you just know that no matter what, everything will be okay; it's a moment of glorious love and peace and clarity and assurance for whatever may come to us; it is a message to have no fear, because our Glorious One is always there.
Here's wishing you all many a peaceful summer night to share in similar revelations.
XO Andi and Dancer
