Olaf the Snowman in Disney's Frozen dreams of what he has never seen or experienced before--Summer! He dreams of bees that buzz, kids blowing dandelion fuzz, and himself doing whatever snow does in summer. He imagines sipping little fruity drinks with umbrellas in them, lying on a raft in a pool, relaxing in the summer sun and letting off steam. Despite not knowing summer and snowmen aren't a great fit, he just can't help thinking about what life will be like in Summer!
Summer is officially here! With Summer we probably can't stop thinking about what life will be like. Summer means different things to different people. For some, it's a break from school and the freedom to explore, work, play, or travel. For some, Summer means longer days in the fields and dinnertime after the sun finally goes down. It's fresh produce from the garden or farmstand. It's the busiest work season of the year for some. Some of us travel, go on vacations, see family, spend more time outdoors, do more grilling. For still others not much changes.
For our church ministries, we slow way down. Many ministries take a break from regular meetings and might have a couple nights out just for fun. With the change of pace we have a natural season to take a break from some activities. But while we take a break from some things, one thing we never take a break from is God's presence.
David writes in Psalm 139:2-3, 7-10, "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways…Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
With the Summer change of pace, it's a gift from God to see his hand of blessing especially IN that change of pace. He gives us seasons of hard work and seasons of rest. He gives us great responsibilities and time of reprieve. Whatever this season brings you, I encourage you to take a few moments to savor the blessings of God in the small Summer moments. Like sitting on the porch sipping iced tea, listening to the sound of the rain outside, feeling the sunny breeze on a boat ride, the delight of hiking the mountains, the time you lie outside and tan, when you can sit and read a book, the moment you come inside from a hard days' work to see the family surrounding you at the dinner table. When we pause to thank God for those small moments, he helps to refresh our souls as we delight in him. So whatever the season brings you, remember God's gracious presence wherever you may go!
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