Summer pondering

Do you ever ponder? You know, think quietly, soberly, and deeply.

Pondering is something my mother taught me to do. She did most of her pondering at the kitchen table with her open Bible and on the front porch in her antique white rocking chair.

Me? I, too, am a kitchen-table and porch ponderer.

This week I am in Tampa, where my daughter’s pool is my favorite place to ponder as I float, with my grand dog, Alex, keeping watch over me. Neither Alex nor I like to get our hair wet.

Here are my ponderings from the pool …

Looking up at the cloud formations never gets old. Today I saw a mother dog touch her nose to her pup’s nose. My heart went … aww.

Your age does not disqualify you from learning or doing something new. Well, maybe not rock climbing or skydiving.

Having a difference of opinion does not mean you cannot be friends. There is such a thing as disagreeing agreeably. However, do not let others’ loud voices change your mind without prayerful consideration. What’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander, unless it involves equality.

Integrity is something we should never lose. Once we are caught in a lie, our integrity will always be called into question. When in doubt, always be truthful. Here’s a caveat. If your friend is wearing something audacious and asks what you think, smile and say, “Girlfriend, you are brave, you are not boring, and you are definitely making a statement.” All of that is true. You might add, “I could never wear that.” Hopefully, she will get the hint and not be upset.

Never let a blanket of doubt and fear cover your day. Start your day with a prayer, “God, I know you know what this day holds. Give me the strength and wisdom to face whatever comes my way.” I’ve often held up my pointer finger to remind myself… But God is with me.

Find time to sit and people-watch, perhaps pray for someone at the next table. They don’t have to know. God knows their name; you don’t have to. You both will be blessed.

Sometimes telling the driver in front of you to pedal faster makes you feel better. It happens a lot in Tampa. I’ve been known to remind them that their car has this great invention called a turn signal. Of course, they never hear me, but I feel better.

Patience is a virtue, but it’s one of the hardest. A virtue is a moral quality. Some days I have more patient virtue than others.

Why do mosquitoes exist?

When was the last time you watched lightning bugs? Chuck and I stood on our front porch for a long time a few nights before we flew to Tampa. It brought back so many memories of catching them as a kid and putting them in Ball jars.

Grace needs to be slathered on ourselves, especially. Some things are not yours to fix. You were not made to bear some burdens. I write an entire chapter on this in From the Hart.

Can I add a couple of summer suggestions? I love to share really good stuff.

Indiana sweet corn and tomatoes are in season. Go to your local farmers market or roadside stand. We love local Gatewood’s and Zeller’s. Slather the butter well on your corn on the cob.

I’m a big believer in slathering both Grace and butter.

You need to watch The Sheep Detectives on Amazon Prime. Trust me, you will love it. Who doesn’t love Hugh Jackman? Your heart will be warmed by the sweetest sheep! You will thank me.

This column is filled with random ponderings, as my husband would say … Good Stuff.

I’m going to miss my pool-pondering time with Alex. In a few days, I’ll be back at the kitchen table and on our front porch, with more pondering and writing to do. Remember, I’m writing my first fiction book, a mystery. You’re going to love Audrey Grace.

Happy pondering! I hope you’ve enjoyed my random thoughts this week.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.