And it’s over. Just
like that.
Every year, I tell myself that the
summer is going to last forever; that I’m going to take time to spend with all
of the people that I love and not worry about getting a job or making
money. And every year, I manage to take multiple
jobs and see less of those I love, but more than my budget should allow. It gets harder and harder because I know how
I would like to prioritize, but I also know that common sense often has to
overcome the desires of the heart. So
this summer I have faithfully gone to work, saved money, and prayed for the
ability to go on weekend trips. God has
blessed me with friends who drive to see me and who are gracious enough to not
mention how tedious it is to make the trip; He has also blessed me with parents
who let me borrow the car to return the favor (although not as often as my
unwise youth would beg), which is a wonderful thing to be thankful for!
This summer has been a smooth drive
mixed with a few potholes, and in spite of many tears, I have learned much. I have learned that “friends” are not real
unless they’re there for you when life is tough and you shut down; I have
learned that my heart cannot fall, it must be conquered; and finally, I have
learned that spending time with Jesus is more precious than a child’s
laugh. The bubbling sound of a child’s
laughter is number one on my list of favorite things, and yet somehow Jesus
manages to trump that sound. It should
always be that way, but I tend to forget this important thing and allow life to
consume me instead. Thank God for this
summer.
They say that summer is the time
for romance and I have to agree; I seem to have fallen even more deeply in love
with my Savior and all of His creation.
When I see a sunset, I have to stop and stare at the colors and marvel
at the incredible sight in front of me; if a family of ducks decides to explore
the sand and learn what to eat, I take a picture to remind me of the wonderful
way our Lord provides even for the birds.
I’m falling head over heels in love as I notice each little dew drop on
a blade of grass as I walk barefoot to pick blueberries. It’s crazy to most people, I know. But let me tell you…I have never felt more
alive. Living, breathing, admiring; it’s
a dance. It was once written, “To refuse
God recognition is to quit the cosmic dance”; please don’t ever quit this
dance. Look around and enjoy the little
things that bring your heart joy! God
delights in bringing us joy and even in the trials, we are able to find our joy
in Him and in the things He has created that are all around us. Stop and look! “Taste and see that the Lord is good”! (Psalm 34:8a)
Romance is a whirlwind of
emotions, a time when you begin to see a glimpse into someone else’s heart and
love them because the things you see in their heart are things that capture you
and encourage you to grow, to become someone better. Jesus’ heart is so deep and His love for us
is so great that it is unfathomable, but He has opened my eyes even wider this
summer and let me see the things that were concealed as I stumbled in the
dark. I live under the shadow of grace,
love, and sacrifice; what more could I ask for?
I’m hopelessly caught up in this love that consumes my heart, that makes
me whole. It’s no longer a summer
romance; it’s becoming my way of life.
