Even with the thunderstorms, even with the heat, I love summer. (I’m also really fond of air conditioning.) These are the days I anticipated back in March, July days of flying our U.S. flag, the morning routine of watering the potted plants on our deck, Sunday afternoon walks with my husband at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling.
I’m able to walk up higher hills and around longer paths at Oglebay this summer, and without a walking stick.
When looking out my kitchen window at our twin fawns, noticing tiny yellow blossoms on my grown-from-seed tomato plants, or listening to a robin’s or cardinal’s song, my soul is refreshed and my heart is filled with peace. Oh, these days.
They think we’re offering a salad bar.
Of the seeds I sowed in the spring, basil and parsley, tomatoes and marigolds, and one tiny snapdragon are growing. Below are some of the plantings that I tend and enjoy.
And yet, these 2020 summer days are very different than we expected, aren’t they? This is the 17th Sunday that we’re praying during the coronavirus pandemic. God is still listening and He is still at work. Let’s approach him with humility now.
Glorious God, thank you for continuously showing your creative power and your unending mercy in our daily lives. As sunshiny days are suddenly interrupted by thunder, wind, and rain, we give you thanks for watering the earth, bringing forth food and beautiful flowers from the soil. And as our lives and plans are interrupted by the need to live with a new virus, we have the opportunity to examine our priorities and to find new ways to work, worship, do business, and love one another.
More than ever, we need the fruit of your Holy Spirit growing in our hearts, fruit that ripens and reveals that we are Yours, fruit that tempts hungering souls to taste and see that You are good.
Giver of life and Healer of hearts, we know that many people are hurting and that each of us has concerns during uncertainty. We ask and trust that You will care for those who are sick, comfort those who are grieving, give patience to those who are separated from loved ones, provide for the needs of your children, bring an end to this pandemic.
As we desire for life to return to normal, we pray that we will not miss what you want to teach us, that we will come forth with faith still intact and that we will hear your calling to love our neighbor as ourselves. We know that your world and this nation are hurting and that hope is in you, Jesus. In your powerful name we pray. Amen.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23