Heat Haze

As the country experiences an extended hot, dry period, I'm grateful for water, verandahs and air-conditioning.  Not so long ago our forebears were living in tents as they cleared land and constructed crude homes while maintaining a subsistence existence and battling the elements.  Here in the Adelaide Hills we are blessed in that a lot of those earlier foundations were based on scriptural and spiritual tenets.  How far has our society come in such a short time in terms of infrastructure and trade, yet how far have we moved away from that spiritual heritage.

Old split red gum at sunset (past the bottom dam)

What a privilege and blessing it is to be called to return to the ancient paths that were set down by Yehovah.  Our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, were obedient to the voice of Yehovah and set the example of what it is to be set apart, having their eyes fixed upon a time when their small family would become a mighty nation.  I wonder how many times they doubted, despaired, became tired and felt like choosing a different path, rather than pay the price for future generations?

I'll be honest, it's not all sunshine and lollypops up here at Hebron and there are times when doubt and frustration creep in.  Take last night for instance.  The dam pump wouldn't fire up for me and I had to ring for help.  I'm not too proud to say that I felt very frustrated and inadequate, and in that moment I sat down by the dam to have a self-indulgent whinge to myself.  The dialogue went something like this; "jolly rabbits are eating everything we plant, can't get any veges to grow, sand creeping in everywhere, bugs munch anything that's green, water is always an issue ..."  Mm, not the most uplifting conversation I've ever had with myself.  As always it's a choice in how I respond to those frustrations and it's times like these I'm so grateful for David and the other psalmists so I can then encourage myself with "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in YHVH, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  I love that this is Psalm 42 - fellow HTTNers will understand the significance of this.

Caper flower - YAY!

So while I have a whinge about vermin and first world problems such as dodgy internet connections and equally dodgy telephone connections I am constantly reminded of, and grateful for, that rich spiritual heritage we have and the example of Aussie forebears who knew how to leave the comforts of society behind to forge a new beginning for themselves.  http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/klemzig.htm

As far as an activity report is concerned I'm pleased to say that the capers are doing quite well, although I've had to bag them again as the rabbits also discovered they were doing well.  I picked up a bucket of pindone oats so I'll be baiting them over the next few weeks, which hopefully will make a big impact on their numbers. 

Our little doe friend returned last night for a drink, which was a lovely surprise, although it's a bit sad that she's alone and hasn't been able to find her mob again.  I know that deer are introduced vermin, like the rabbit, but nevertheless, it's lovely to see her when she visits.  I actually thought she had a fawn but the big ears in the grass belonged to an exceptionally large hare - cause for a bit of a chuckle to myself!

So fellow sojourners and pioneers, be blessed and may the shalom of Yehovah dispel any haze that you are experiencing from the 'heat' of life's cares.

Habbakuk 3:17-19 For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in Yehovah, I will joy in the Elohim of my salvation. Yehovah, Adoni, is my strength; And he makes my feet like hinds', And will make me to walk upon my high places.

Shalom