Summertime and the living is easy! (or is it?)

Hello Church,

Summertime and the living is easy! Or is it? I love summer. I grew up in the mild climate of south-ern California but I have always loved summer— it just lasted longer there. During the summer it is okay to “stop and smell the roses” and sit in the sun or shade to read a book. It is a time when it is easy to appreciate quiet and stillness in nature… to listen for God in the quiet as Elijah did. Here on the Cape, summer also means more time spent in traffic and hosting friends and family who flock here this time of year for a visit. Summer is our busy time.

We all need a little Summertime to revive our souls. Living in a resort community we may have to put in a little more effort to find the quiet, but it is worth it when we do so. I love taking a walk on the beach or today I walked the labyrinth and happened upon a tortoise in the parking lot. Encountering creatures in nature refreshes my soul. I am renewed when I watch osprey and hawks flying or songs birds interacting at my feeder or terns diving for fish or even the plovers walking on the beach. What is it that renews you? Name it and be sure you go do it at least once a week.

Please, take the time this summer to enjoy getting outside and being quiet…listening for God in the silence. Share with me where you are finding that time and place that renews your soul. Time where you allow yourself to “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. I look forward to hearing how the Spirit is speaking to you this summer.

Abundant Blessings, Tomi