Summer is and (I’m fairly certain) always will be my favorite season of the year.  I don’t want to miss Autumn or Winter or Spring because they make me appreciate summer so much more.  And actually I like those seasons, too.  They all have their own unique wonderment.

Today is an “I-can-almost-see-spring” kind of day.  The sun is shining, making it a little warmer and brighter, a little closer to gardening or riding bikes or walking, opening the pool, enjoying summer.  The Easter lilies are poking up out of the ground, and I’ve noticed new growth on the rose bushes.

Today is also the day I remember birthdays of those I love.  And the hardships and passing of those I love.  It can’t be helped.  It’s all intertwined, like the seasons of the year.  But as God does, He walks along with us through the seasons: the cold, seemingly death of winter; the restfulness of fall, no more blooming to do, just resting and preparing for the new births that will come in spring; the hope of spring with its rush to get life going, the realization that life still abounds; the fullness of summer, living life to its fullness, working hard, playing hard.

“This world is fading away, along with everything it craves.  But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.”  1 John 2:17

And what is God’s will?

“The Lord is pleased with those who worship Him and trust His love.”  Psalm 147:11

“Give yourselves to God . . . surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes.”  Romans 6:13

“Give yourself completely to God.”  James 4:7

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  Mark 12:30

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family  by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 1:5