Summer Isn’t Just a Season

by | Sep 1, 2011 | Uncategorized

Notice the fig tree, or any other tree.  When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.  Just so, when you see the events I’ve described taking place, you can be sure that the Kingdom of God is near. Luke 21: 29-31

I walk brisk, faithful Golden Retriever by my side.  The sun filters through tall pines and casts shadows over a golf course covered like cellophane with dew.  A black cat crouches under a copse of trees, sunning in this early morning quiet. The air cool, hinting summers imminent expiration.  I savor this morsel of heaven.

Summer, the season of extended light, profuse growth, copious amounts of rest and play, joyful reunions. No wonder we anticipate, revel in this season.   According to this passage of scripture above, it means the Kingdom is near.  We get a glimpse of heavens abundance, a taste of His goodness.

In his book Spiritual Rhythm, Mark Buchanan writes, “The writer of Hebrews says the kingdom is a true Sabbath, a sustained and restoring rest, a full and final reprieve from life’s misery and drudgery and loss.”

Is your heart in summertime?  Do things flow, feel effortless?  Does joy rise naturally?  Are you connected, rested?

He is generous in this season.  A contrast to winter’s bleak starkness, yet I take it for granted.   Today as I mull over the days of summer, soon to end, I am thankful for these things:

  • The warmth of sandy shores; refreshment of cool waters.
  • Sweetness of bounty extracted from the soil, plucked from vines, cut from branches. 
  • Beauty of lavish flora. 
  • Holding loved ones tight in times of sabbath.
  • Transformative conversations.
  • Alternating times of rest and play.
  • Walks down tree canopied lanes.
  • The chatter and songs of birds.
  • Extended light.
  • Joyful reunion with family and friends.
  • Captivating sunsets.

I have feasted on the abundance of summer and experienced His Kingdom in my heart.  I hope you have too.   What are you thankful for today?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. Susan McIntyre

    I found myself driving down Arendell Street in Morehead City this week reflecting on Irene and all that had happened to friends and all that hadn’t happened and found myself singing “Give Thanks”. What a simple song for a very profound feeling.

    • Redemption's Beauty

      Susan, love it! Glad to know you were here and thanks for taking the time to comment.

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