Summer is here. The long-awaited season of warmth and light has arrived, bringing with it a sense of joy and gratitude. During this past long weekend, we welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the simple pleasures of life: the beauty of nature, the bounty of the earth, the fellowship of family and friends.
Summer is here. On this holiday weekend we honored the fallen heroes who gave their lives for our freedom and peace. We commemorated them with solemn ceremonies and heartfelt prayers. And we continue to thank God for their sacrifice and their service, remembering them throughout the year as we enjoy the blessings they fought to preserve.
Summer is here. We delight in the wonder of fireflies, twinkling like stars in the darkening backyards. It’s as if nature is throwing her celestial switch to light up the new season with these illuminating, magical messengers. The sight is so stirring we almost burst into applause.
Summer is here. We savor the taste of homemade ice cream, of peaches fresh from the orchard, of tomatoes and cantaloupes and watermelons straight from the garden. We appreciate the freshness and flavor of this bounty, grown with care and love. We thank God for providing such abundance and variety.
Summer is here. We pack our baskets with sandwiches and salads and head to the park for a picnic. We spread blankets on the grass and our repasts across the wooden tables and enjoy the soothing shade of the trees. In the sunshine, we play games and laugh with our children or grandchildren – or great-nieces. We share songs and stories and memories.
Summer is here. We take walks around the pond or down by the bayou and feel the gentle breeze on our faces. Closer to home, we sit on the porch or patio, reading that best seller or chatting with loved ones or even new acquaintances. We pull out the old photo albums and retrace the lives of our ancestors.
Summer is here. We attend Vacation Bible School and church camp. We pitch our tents and light our campfires and spend a night under the stars. We roast marshmallows and make s’mores. We gaze at the Milky Way and marvel at God’s creation.
Summer is here. We load the car and head to the beach, soon to be surrounded by sun and sand. We unleash both creativity and curiosity – swimming, building sandcastles, collecting shells. We listen to the seagulls and then cheer the sun as it gently drops below the waves … Or we drive to the mountains to revel in the fresh air and greenery. We hike trails, climb rocks and cross streams and feel a sense of tranquility and awe.
Summer is here. It’s a time to rejoice and to reflect, to relax and to renew, to connect and to cherish. It’s a gift from God, who loves each and every one of us. It is a reminder of his grace and his goodness, his power and his presence. It’s a time to work on cultivating our own fruit – the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Summer is here. It’s also a time to remember that not everyone has access to the joys and blessings enumerated in this column. Many people in our world suffer from poverty, hunger, disease, violence, oppression or injustice. Many people in our community are lonely, sick, grieving or struggling. And many ways exist for us to help them with our prayers, our donations, our actions or our words.
Summer is here. Let us embrace it with gratefulness and joy. Let us also share it with compassion and generosity.
Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
