There is a certain calming adjunct to ‘putting things by’ for later. Focused intentionality. An act of hope. A statement; I will be here when days are shorter and temperatures much colder, when a nice cup of mint tea on some chill, rainy afternoon, or following a rich, wintry meal with friends will add a layer of thoughtful pleasure, another small, but not insignificant star to an evening’s shared sky.

Such deliberacy builds trust, helps rebuild it, sometimes, …for not only are you making decisions and performing healing acts based utterly in the now of the moment (paying close attention and gathering leaves for tea when they are at their very best), but you the adult are looking out for you the kid, planning ahead, deliberately provisioning for that future you, your pleasure and health, your ability to entertain guests whose company comforts and enlarges you.

And so we gather and put by, acts of faith and kindness. A form of meditation that does not require a membership fee or even an appointment.