Ode to Midsummer

• By: Ray Brimble, August 3, 2018

These days of midsummer are interesting because of what does not happen, rather than what does.

From the summer solstice until end of July, the sun stays up late. Texas enters a long and seemingly never-ending segment of its year—the hot days of summer. Each day blisters—or glistens, depending on your mood. Days go on forever, things slow down, and it seems as if we will be in this world forever.

But we do not realize the days are getting shorter and that we have already started an inevitable slide toward winter. It is a waxing effect. The sun appears largest right before it sets.

 I love that period of balance right before the slide. Almost no one recognizes, realizes, or cares about this unique moment. Balance does not demand attention. It is the definition of subtlety.  We are in an age of extremes. We only want to consider “records.”. 

  So today I take this moment to acclaim the week in our year that should not be known for its length, but rather for its balance. This is a time not for looking back longingly toward spring, nor considering the activities of the future. Rather, it’s to remain here, at peace, and to revel in the stillness of this moment.  Even though it may be just an illusion, consider it well worth taking a moment to recognize this fine place and time, when nothing is the thing we can value most.