This post is for you if:
“Summer” keeps eluding your out-stretched hands
Your last outdoor nap occurred 10 years ago
Weeds (or weedy thoughts) keep overtaking your yard (or mind)
You’re avoiding the beach because of those extra pounds
The kids are bored and driving you crazy
You’re feeling heartsick over current events and looming elections
Jesus, they say you walked this sorry, glorious planet.
They say you experienced all the ways we are beset, worn out, and tempted to run.
They say you were perfect. In every way.
I just have to ask:
Was your last summer among us a blur?
Did you doze in the shade anyway—at least once—no apologies?
Not to be disrespectful, but . . . did you and the 12 ever skinny-dip? No excuses, no shame?
Did you tend a bonfire and greet the stars by name?
Bet you invented games with kids . . . all ages.
Entrusted every woe and injustice to God’s care, as you still do.
When imagination fails, be our inspiration.
When faith shifts and threatens to crack, be our sure foundation.
When we long to bolt, be our strength.
We have summer regrets:
for refusing to rest
for forgetting to honor and nurture our bodies
for hosting fear in our mental guest room
for avoiding annoying tasks and people
for hardening ourselves against too much bad news
for postponing joy
We have summer hopes:
for occasional breaks
and adventures
and good books
for family unity, and personal freedom
for health and fitness
for peace in our world
for breakthroughs in national politics
We pledge to travel lightly today.
We pledge to rest more often, and play more often, no matter how briefly. No guilt. No shame.
We pledge to learn How to Be Here.
Taste and see that the Lord is good:
blessed is the [one] that trusts in him. —Psalm 34:8
Lovely thoughts about summer, Laurie. You’ve reminded me to ignore the “knock knock” of fear. I’d rather host faith, trust, and optimism. And oh, I’m certain Jesus conceived hilarious and challenging and meaningful games for children, yes, of all ages. I see Him laughing with them and they loving Him in return. Your blog has inspired me to decide how I might crown this summer with some golden memory amid illnesses and sad surprises. Thank you for quickening my imagination.
Niki, please forgive my belated response (travel plus website snafu interrupted). “hilarious and challenging and meaningful games” —I am loving those adjectives. Also the imagined sound of his laughter. I’m glad and grateful the post inspired you toward some late-summer hurrahs amid troubled days. Wishing you joy!
Kudos again for your poetic artistry, Laurie! I found myself nodding repeatedly while reading this poem. You are so right: the summer season, seemingly designated for rest and vacation, can slip by oh-so-fast, without a single outdoor nap, backyard game with the kids, or day-trip adventure away from home. I add my prayer to yours: Teach me, Lord, how to BE here–in ALL seasons. P.S. Loved your imaginings of how Jesus spent his last summer here on earth!
Nancy, thank you. I’m glad the words resonated with you. I can’t believe it’s already August. I need some of that Deck Time you’ve been talking about. 🙂 Hearing from you reminds me of the riches you’ve been absorbing.
It’s the “without guilt feelings” that gets to me. Beautiful site!
Dawn, thank you for visiting and for your gracious words of encouragement!
Yes and amen to all of this. “Be Who You Are Where You Are” is my new motto (via my son’s pastor.) May we embrace the now of this day.
Yes!! Lifting a cup to “now” and being ourselves, Jody!
Your phrases of enjoying summer, missing it, planning for it; bring me up close to what I’m feeling during this season. I appreciate your capturing the essence of where life is and what I want it to be, now.
Diane, I’m so glad the words spoke to you. Thanks for letting me know. Summer gets freighted with so much history along with the present passage of life and its demands and gifts. May you find the gap you describe narrowing in ways that are peaceable and pleasurable too. Love you, friend!