A Summer Bucket List
Psalm 74:17 You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter.
Most people I know are looking forward to the season of summer. It is typically a time when things go smoothly, where people find a little more time for rest and reflection and time with family and friends, meeting neighbors and relaxing in creation. The warmth of sun and the longer days make everything brighter and as I have heard from many lately, somehow life just seems easier. It is a time when we find it easier to be thankful for things and to offer prayers to God in a positive light. And we find that we are able to reach out, to show kindness and encourage others, because we are in a more positive and joyous mood. “THANKS BE TO GOD!”
I recently read a mother’s comment that Summer for her, reflects the state of grace in her heart, and I appreciated that image. Just like the season of summer where nature is bursting with life, so our souls are fully awake and alive when we live in grace. We are renewed in God's mercy because we are able to witness it in creation of all He has made, in the interactions we are able to share because we are out and about more, and it is as refreshing as the morning dew on the lush grass. After seasons of shadows, sometimes isolation, chilled hearts, in summer it is as if our very beings are filled with new life, just as winter ice melts to summer growth.
In summer our routines change, often slowing down after a year of school schedules and commitments. If we are still busy in the summer, it is usually more a pleasurable busy from the rest of the year. We are going on vacations, having backyard BBQs with friends, and enjoying outdoor activities. We are able to take a break from our normal schedules and find refreshment. Even our overall experience with worship somehow becomes lighter, especially as we plan special summer events like the Church Outdoor Service (AUGUST 17) and the Pancake Breakfast on Parade day. It is not uncommon to see people arrive for worship in shorts and tshirts, because right after church they may be headed off for special outdoor times or family gatherings. And we rejoice in that sense of ease.
This summer, I'm really working at being intentional about my time and my need for renewing rest, both in my spiritual life and my family life. I was reading an article by a young mom by the name of Hannah Aok, who suggested that for her young family, this summer they are drafting a Bucket List of things they want to do, to accomplish in these two months. I thought, what a great idea for us all, to not just let this time sift through our hands like sand, but to actually have a bit of a list of things we look forward to doing. For me, it is things like reading a book that I just want to read, on my deck, with a cold drink and the three cats, in the sun beside me. I want to go to the zoo with my family, because I know it is something my mom wants to do. I want to have time to complete the reading of a Max Lucado book I have been longing to complete. I want to sit on the new bench we will be placing and dedicating to the memory of Sharon Tegart, welcoming people who pass by, remembering many people who are no longer here but that I miss. And I want to find a beach by some water that I can just go and sit by, and feel the breeze, and relax. Not sure where or when that will be, but suggestions are welcome. Marlene where did we go for that picnic a while ago, want to go again?
You see that is the cool thing about a bucket list, you can do it and invite people to share it with you, and together, we are all blessed
There is one other thing that it allows us to put into play, and that is taking time to do things, talk over, pray about, with God, who gave us the gift of this season, to restore us.
I want to encourage all of us to make summer a sacred, blessed time in our lives. Remember that your church will remain here for you, to relax with, to step up if something happens and you need us, to worship together both Sundays and Thursday evenings, to reach out and be God’s presence in our community and world. And may you always know, you have a place and a purpose within our church family. Please stop by, check in often. Come and sit on the bench with me…!
I encourage all of us to make our own Summer Bucket Lists! And come fall, maybe we will have a potluck lunch in September to share what things we have done, and look to the future to continue to build on the life and blessings of our church as a vessel of God’s grace. Have a wonderful summer! Your Shepherd… PD
A Summer Prayer
Summer Gloria
for clear blue skies and sunny days
for fresh green grass and leafy trees
for vivid purple flowers and well-tended gardens
for fluffy white clouds and gentle breezes
for bright red buses and busy streets
Glory be to God…
for people stepping out with sandaled feet
for children playing games with delighted squeals
for picnics and street parties
for street traders and market stalls
for long days and short nights
for open-topped buses and open-necked shirts.
Glory be to God…
for seasons
for summer
for sunshine
(A prayer by Chick Yuill, used with permission.)