Into the Fire

The beauty of sun encourages and invites outdoor activities where I live. It’s not always hot here in the summer, so when it is, those of us who treasure those days of summer heat tend to find a way to get out in it. Although our side of the mountains has more humidity than the more desert climate of the other side of the state, we don’t have much compared to some of the southern or eastern seaboard states. It’s certainly bearable. Not oppressive. A lot of us only have air conditioning in our cars. I have never used mine, preferring the open window breeze. However, when we vacationed briefly on the other side of the state last year, we used the AC in my husband’s truck most of the time.

The song of summer plays anew in my heart. There’s something about the solid blue and hot rays. It’s hard to be sad in the sunshine.

Remembrances of summers past pulse through my memory—somehow they’re more intense, more romantic, more adventure-filled with summer and simmering and sweat wrapped around them. The smells come alive—a whiff of a forgotten scent ignites a rush of revelry, thoughts of long ago, smiles, laughter, daring, energy, and hidden desires.

“Summertime . . . and the livin’ is easy.”

Life is never easy, is it? It goes along and often there is harshness and ugliness and unfathomable pain. Sometimes we ourselves are responsible for those things, and other times we are blindsided by their cruelty. The questions demanding “Why?!” assert themselves and press against us as we weep. Who can blame us when we seek escape?

Let us find our fun wherever and whenever the Lord allows. Let us rejoice in those times when we can find solace and playfulness in Him, for Him, and provided by Him. Let’s remember Him in those places of absolute release. Let’s invite Him to lead us to those memories intended for eternity, the ones that bring calming comfort, remind us of courageous efforts, gallant romance, and hilarious merriment.

“Summer breeze . . . makes me feel fine . . .”

Create your own summer song . . .

Father, thank you for the sunshine and hot summer days. Thank you for a season when fruit grows and flowers ignite the landscape with all kinds of colors, images, and designs. Your beauty is glimpsed in so many places, so many things. Up in the sky, down in the depths, throughout the land . . . who can escape who you are? You are endless, great and awesome, holy and just, good and perfect. Thank you. Fill me up with the essence of your beauty in the Son and the fullness of your Spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.