It’s Just a Backyard!

It may be just a backyard, but for those who claim ownership if it, it is often much more.

On a recent morning, I was sitting at the table and finishing my daily morning readings.  I had read some pages from the Bible, in the latter part of the book of Numbers.  That section is not the most riveting portion of scripture, but it is where my reading took me. When I finished my scripture reading, I grazed through the online version of daily newspaper, finishing with the comics.  It has been my common routine for quite some time.  It is also a solo act. 

Lost in my thoughts, I was pondering the status of life and all the apparent challenges to be addressed.  About that time, the words of Brian Wilson’s internal song slid across the crevices of my wandering brain. Perhaps those words relate to many of us in the pressured events of our lives.  Consider his words.  “There’s a world where I can go and tell my secrets to: In my room – In my room. In this world I lock out all my worries and my fears. In my room – In my room. Do my dreaming and my scheming; Lie awake and pray; Do my crying and my sighing; Laugh at yesterday.  Now it’s dark and I’m alone but I won’t be afraid; In my room.” 

Perhaps, I too was looking for a place to escape. For, when all the reading was done for the morning, my attention was taken from the table activities to the out of doors.

It was a beautiful morning.  The sun was rising higher in the sky.  The temperature was warm and comfortable, as it often is in the late spring.  It was the kind of day that draws just about anyone out of the house.

I passed through the back door, crossed the covered patio, and stood amid the green grass of our moderately large back yard.  In that moment, I reflected on the present day as well as the more than thirty years of history that have transformed the nature of our backyard.  I was awash with memories.  Both of our daughters had their weddings in that yard.  More than two hundred people gathered for each of the ceremonies.  We had worked, played, cooked, and simply lived in that yard.

As I paused for a few moments to absorb the nature around me, I couldn’t help but notice the amazing array of springtime colors that filled our vista.  Flower beds line the perimeter of most of the yard, and each is packed with an eclectic display of style, type, and color.  Along with the plant life, there are also several unique objects to add character to the display.  Bicycles, rocking chairs, old doors, a wind spinner, an old gate, and a variety of small characters can be seen scattered through the various areas.  Each area is backed by a standard, six-foot, wooden fence.

Enclosed by that fence, a commonly described “privacy fence”, that backyard is something of an island; separated from the rest of the world.  While filled with memories of family, friends, and various events that island is a place of peace, as the outside cares and troubles are far removed.   

In my thinking, Brian Wilson may have had his room, but I had my backyard island.  As stated, I was feeling a bit burdened.  That backyard island was the respite that I needed.  There would be time enough to return to the rest of my world.  Perhaps that return with a refreshed spirit would find that the perceived burdens would not seem to be quite so heavy. 

Maybe we all need an island.  Maybe it is a well decorated backyard, a private room, a safe space, or simply a person of trust.  Whatever, whomever, or wherever it may be, may it be the place that is answers the needs.

One of my favorite passages of scripture reminds me that we do have a place to go. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  I see a parallel.  I hope you do too.

Yes, it is just a backyard, but what a place to go!

Russell L. Dyer

July 1, 2024