July 2018
Summer is here! As June departed, leaving a trail of heat and humidity, it now seems as if the season of outdoor living and vacations has really arrived. In the natural world, the birds and beasts are either busy feeding their young’uns or escorting them into their dangerous worlds. We’ve seen quite a few fawns and baby raccoon's, so far. The wildflowers in the meadows are reaching their peak time providing eye candy to us and performing their work helping bees and butterflies, and the occasional hummingbird; producing fruits for next year. The morning song of the wood thrush and the end-of-the-day soliloquy of the catbird bring peace to our minds. ‘Tis time to take a stroll – in the cool of the day – and absorb the music, aromas and visual pleasures of this time of year. Of course, as we describe this idyllic existence, we are only too aware of those in our community and circle of friends and family who are unable to enjoy all that we describe. More’s the pity when we encounter those who are unaware of or uninterested in God’s Creation that surrounds us all. The Christian is called upon to enjoy and appreciate all of this - God’s Creation, - but not to neglect the other things. Unfortunately, to a greater or lesser degree, it is the weakness of most of us to crave what is pleasurable, be it through what money can buy or devoting our time solely to our own pursuits, that leads to our incompleteness as children of God. While we can have fun at a picnic, and eat ‘til it hurts, is there someone we know who has little in their pantry? As we share laughter and fellowship, is there someone we know who is dreadfully lonely? When we run and jump and are oblivious to the gift of good health, is there someone we know who is in pain? When we take that stroll in the cool of the day, are we aware that there are folks nearby who cannot hear the songs of the birds or who cannot breathe freely or who are unable to see the bright colorful flowers of the season? We are indeed blessed if we can delight in the natural world around us, especially in this season. But how much more fulfilling if we are able to see the opportunities to do good, to generously share and to be rich in good deeds. Enjoy your July. Give thanks for the moments when you can enjoy the beauty and new life of the natural world around you. More so, give praises when you see a chance to do good and act on it. Virginia “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves … that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19