Rows and Lines

Rows and lines. It is surprising how such simple things can lead to layers of gratefulness. Dare I say, row upon row of it?

We took our dog Oliver with us to visit Darcy’s family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota this weekend. I sat in back with him to offer comfort and help keep him calm. He did pretty well and I spent more time observing the passing scenery than I usually do.

I enjoyed seeing rows of young corn and soybean plants and the flow of rows as we went past at 60 mph, lines blurring together. Springtime in farm country. The farm country that helps feed our nation and world. Yeah, kind of a big deal those little plants will grow into.

It brought a sense of nostalgia and took me back to the large garden my mom oversaw in my childhood. I found enjoyment and satisfaction in helping weed and turn the soil with our human-powered push plow.

And then I noticed rows in cemeteries and thought especially about military ones on this Memorial Day weekend. The solemnness of places like Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. and Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Row upon row of women and men who served to protect our freedom and many who died on the front lines, behind enemy lines, or in the line of fire.

Rows and lines. Like the ones I captured in this photo of the clouds as we drove yesterday. Rows and lines of renewal, remembrance, and reflection.