This week marks our last worship gathering before our July vacation.
July is a time to rejoice and give thanks for the arrival of summer. It is a time to celebrate God’s glorious creation.
Someone once said “if you are not barefoot in the summer, then you are overdressed”. While these words may be more relevant for those who are able to spend time idling on beaches and lakeshores, it is also a great image for those of us who need to refresh and renew our spiritual connection with our Creator and with creation.
Summer is a time to take off some of the heaviness which has weighed us down and comforted or protected us during the life’s colder days in the past year. Summer is a time to open ourselves up to all the beauty around us; the birds singing praise to Creator, the chirping of crickets, the smell of fresh cut grass, the warm sun on our faces and our shoulders, the laughter of children free to play and make summer memories. Even earth sings in flowers!
As this will be my last blog before we return in August, I would like to share with you a summer blessing.
Summer Blessing for Families
May we make our homes places of relaxation,
joy, love, peace and safety.
May we be generous and considerate,
not thinking only about ourselves,
but helping others enjoy the blessings of the summertime.
God, Creator of all things,
guide our steps and strengthen our hearts
during these months of summer and vacation days.
Grant us refreshment of mind and body.
May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference
in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us
as we enjoy the warm days of summertime.
- The Catholic Review
May God’s blessings be upon us in the summer days to come. Stay vigilant and be safe. Share the love with all you meet. Be a light in the darkness and we look forward to seeing you on our first Sunday of worship, August 1st.
Pastor Beryl DLM