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
