As we break into July I’m reminded that the ancient Celts always felt that they had two homes: the “inside house,” and the “outside house.”

In the winter months the hearth became their sun, and the family gathered around it to live well.

But from May-November, they didn’t need the false sun of the hearth, and their world (literally) revolved around the burning star that provides us life and light. The “outside house” was all creation, every living thing not within four walls.

They called this “outside home” the “house of light.”

In July they would sit in the house of light, outside, to learn: how to grow, how to use the light offered you free of charge, how to rise early, and how to retire as the sun retired.

We’d do well in these days to find ways to imagine our lives being between two houses, I think…and being able to learn what is taught in July.