Holy Moly! Aug. 1 already? Where has the  year gone? Last time I blinked it was February.

I reflected on the rapidly racing days this morning as I changed all three slugs on my perpetual calendar. In just 20 days, I’ll check off another year on the planet {Lord willing}. That will start a month-long sequence  of bittersweet life events with Karen — what would have been our 51st wedding anniversary and the 11th anniversary of her death.

The dog days of summer carry over into my soul and psyche. Instinctively over the years I find myself more melancholic and reflective and introspective as the August sun starts beating down in earnest. This year is no different.

As I inch toward my birthday, I’ve found myself reflecting on the past year, looking inward. While it has been an amazing year with amazing accomplishments, I am daily reminded of my limitations. I can feel my strength sapping and my stamina waning. I find myself napping more. I’ve discovered much of my get up and go has already gotten up and left.

As I look around, I wonder about my accomplishments. Were they my accomplishments or did they reflect a greater Good? I’ve been blessed with three published books and this blog, which has made its way around the world. Were they my accomplishments or did they reflect a greater Good? I’ve reached out to family and friends — real and virtual — with daily reflections, words for the week and even a few jokes and cartoons. Were they my accomplishments/initiatives or did they reflect a greater Good?

I touch bases with my family every morning, but I don’t get to see them very often. I’m in Maine; they are in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Kentucky and South Carolina. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I saw most — but not all — at my grandson’s wedding in Ohio in May.

With sadness, I reflect on the fact I haven’t seen the roll of waves at the ocean in well over a year. The ocean is my safe place, my refuge, my regeneration point. Rivers, streams, lakes and ponds help … but they do not offer the same solace — close but not quite.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, my wanderlust is kicking in. There is so much to see in this great country from sea to shining sea — not the tourist traps but everyday Americana. The window on such an adventure is starting to close. I am investigating a possible Route 1/Atlantic coast trip while I am still able, possibly incorporating sightseeing with writing. Stay tuned. I  have some thoughts I would float here on the blog for input {feel free to offer pre-thoughts}.

I’m not particularly melancholic this year, but at this season of my life, I am acutely aware of the legacy I will leave behind. I would hope when I board the ferry across the Jordan, my life would have had meaning and my life’s work — words — touched someone positively, softening their heart to the reach of Jesus. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: My father said there were two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better. — Marlo Thomas