This is a bench in my church’s prayer garden surrounded by flowers. It is one of my happy places because I can sit and enjoy the beauty and release my cares and concerns to God. I took this picture remembering how I used a bench as a writing prompt for my students.

I began by having them picture walking through tall grass on a winding dirt path. They were to look as they walked and notice what else they saw. Some noticed the clear blue sky and others noticed things in the grass. Flowers and animals were seen. One mentioned the wind blowing the grass. The path led to a pond and by the pond was a bench. I told them to sit on the bench and invite someone to join him or her.

It was interesting to hear who joined them. One was a grandfather who had passed, another was a father who was in prison and a few mentioned friends. No one had to share and most kept their thoughts to themselves. I don’t think the classroom had ever been so quiet. Even though it was a writing assignment, I did not ask them to turn it in. They were shocked. I said this assignment was just for them. As I watched them, I realized it was too personal to share. Some shared with me how the experience felt and one said she had always hated writing until today. She went on to say she thought keeping a journal or a diary was dumb but now she got it.

So many in my life have passed and I can no longer visit with them, and that makes me even more aware of the importance of keeping in touch with those who are here. I know I need to do a better job.

I don’t have a bench on my patio, but I have two comfortable chairs and the patio is surrounded by flowers. It is a perfect place for visits. Last night I video chatted with a friend in Canada who wanted to see lightning bugs, only she called them fireflies. It was a wonderful idea. After viewing the bugs, I sat in my chair and I could see her sitting in hers. We visited.

Hope you are enjoying the wonderful days of summer and hope you are enjoying visits with friends.