For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn,
and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

My friends in Christ,

Summer is the major season of re-creation for many of us. If we are fortunate and able to get away from the regularity of our everyday lives, it’s time for V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! However, to rejuvenate and re-create ourselves does not require a long journey or a mountaintop retreat, though both are nice options. Instead we more require a willingness to find the time and space to empty ourselves of the busyness of life and be attentive to the work of God in that daily busyness.

The Prodigal Son.

The young son feared coming home after all of the ways he had mistreated himself and his family, but when he saw no other way to survive, he came home and found a welcoming, loving Father who was thrilled to have him return. Sometimes we carry that baggage of fear when we seek to return to God’s sheltering place, but when we let go of those things that hold us back, we too find the love of God awaits us. The opportunity for re-creation comes to us in each moment of our lives, especially when we strive to be attentive to the ways of our Lord.

During the coming summer months carve out some time for God. Read the scriptures and other spiritually grounded books, pray regularly, attune yourself towards listening to the ways God might be speaking to your life. And, if all of this sounds a bit daunting and you’d like some guidance for your spiritual work, stop by or give me a call and I’ll try to point you towards ways you might enhance that rejuvenating time.

Blessings of Christ,
Barry