It's rainy and cold now, but come with me to the day when I
first wrote this. It was 90 degrees outside, and there was a balmy breeze blowing.
It was a day many have been waiting for and dreaming of since the wintertime.
The rhododendrons in my neighborhood are in full bloom. Even the trees seemed
to be swaying their branches in a happy way; warm weather looks delightful on
them. When I think of summer, I think of chances to relax, drippy glasses of
lemonade, and the gritty, cool sand of the beach. I admit that although summer
isn't my favorite season, I am finding beauty in it. All I can think of are the
scrumptious berries that I've been missing out on, and the watermelon that
makes hydration easy for my kids, the unrushed mornings that bring joy to our
day, and the extra time spent with family and friends around picnic tables and
bonfires.
Summer seems to bring with it a sense of overabundance.
Overabundance of sunlight, fun, fruits, and family time. Summer of the soul is
much like that. You find yourself in a place of abundance. It seems like
everything is clicking with you. You have more than enough- but not necessarily
monetarily. Counting your blessings comes easy, and you appreciate that,
because life isn't always like this. You are in a sweet spot. Even if you
aren't in summer of the soul right now, I bet you can remember a time when you
were, while holding on to hope that you will be once again.
How can we adjust to soul summer in a way that would promote
peace and joy in our hearts?
Give thanks.
It's easy to forget to be thankful when everything seems to
be lining up. Sometimes in the excitement of blessings, we forget to bless the
One who brought it along. It's the heart that has known seasons of loss or
paring back that can thank God. Those branches heavy with green leaves once was
barren. That lush bed of grass just a few months back was once dead and covered
in a mountain of snow. Remember back to when you prayed for those things now in
your arms? Give thanks. Thank God for His blessings, and His faithfulness.
Thank Him for those things you overlook, like that sweet sale, the love of a
friend, or your health. It was a DVD of singing vegetables that taught me that
a thankful heart is a happy heart.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for
you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude says, "I know You didn't have to give it, but
You did." "I prayed for this, and You answered the cry of my
heart." "I don't always remember to thank You for ________, but
today, I'm remembering." It keeps the channel of blessing open, because it
is a constant reminder that God is good, and that He is the source of every
good and perfect gift.
Give of Yourself.
I've caught myself when I'm tempted to hoard. I'm not proud
of those moments. When I'm selfish, I block out everyone else but me. My needs.
My wants. My oh my! But when I open my clenched fist, and give to others, I'm
filled with a different kind of satisfying joy- the joy of passing along a
blessing to someone. You've felt it too. I know people who live for the
reactions of those receiving their Christmas gifts. Maybe you get a high off of
that money moment too. It really is more blessed to give than receive. And
although giving out of our own need is a sacrifice, it can be just as fun to
give out of our abundance. Not just money, but time. Talent. Even a simple text
in one of your free pockets of time to bless someone can be giving of your
extra.
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will
themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
Summers of the soul are for giving; for giving thanks, and
for giving of yourself. Enjoy every drop of sunshine on your soul, always
remembering where it came from.
Keep your eyes peeled later on this week for my first
collaboration with one of my favorite friends and writers, Osheta Moore! She is
delightful in every way, an artisan of words and wielder of wisdom. Her blog is Shalom In the City, and she along with her
husband and their beautiful family have recently made their home in Los Angeles.
I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but we've shared an experience with
our kids in the month of May that we want to examine from two different
perspectives. I am so excited for this east coast meets west coast connection,
and am thrilled to introduce you to her heart. You won't want to miss it! :)
:)
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