Writing about a summer of the soul feels a bit tender for me right now, coming on the heels of leaving behind our actual summer vacation with family to return to a life of living abroad. But, I suppose it’s good, seeing how I often encourage reflection for spiritual growth–pausing to note where we’ve come from, what we’ve gained or lost along the way, and what direction we’re headed.
In light of that thought, I’ll share a few of summer’s joys with you by photograph at the end of this post, so keep scrolling for a peek into the last two months of my life.
INDICATORS OF A SPIRITUAL SUMMER OF THE SOUL
Summer brings to mind sun-splattered memories of water play, mountain hikes, and baskets full of berries. It’s family, reconnecting with old friends, catching up on outside projects, and fingers sticky with perfectly toasted marshmallow goo. It’s more spontaneous, more relaxed, and yet more full than the other seasons.
What words and images do you associate with summer? Perhaps freedom. Abundance. Laughter. Connection. Celebration. Or maybe transition. Goodbye. Exploration. Sweat. Maintenance.
Let’s take a look at how the ideas of a typical physical summer can transfer to descriptors of a summer of the soul:
- Spiritually, you’re in a time of plenty–growth comes easily
- All this inward growth wants to come out and you look for ways to be helpful and productive
- You’re in a groove with some enjoyable spiritual rhythms
- You feel supported and generally have plenty of opportunity to connect with others
- You’re involved in meaningful ministry and are watching God at work around you
- God’s unmerited grace and lavish kindness are often on your lips
- You sense that this is a season to accomplish much and you’re up for the challenge
- Hospitality comes more easily than in other seasons
- You feel a tad bit guilty about the ease and joy of your life whenever a friend shares her struggles with you
I think this last point is important to wrestle with. Should we feel guilty for being in a season of relative abundance, peace, or success?
I’m not really a fan of the trite saying that everyone is either in a trial, coming out of a trial, or heading into a trial, but I suppose there’s a bit of truth to it. Life is hard on this sin-broken planet, and it won’t be perfect until Jesus makes all things new. However, our God created baby’s laughter, hedgehogs, and raspberries. He is a God of joy, and I think that being fully awake to and appreciative of the things that are rich with it brings Him glory.
Enjoy your summer. Give thanks in it and for it. And, by all means, hold it gently as a gift, knowing that you’ve done nothing to deserve it.
KEY SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR SUMMER
Sometimes summer can be so full and exciting and free that we forget to keep our souls well-watered in the heat of it. Stay connected to your source of life through soaking up the Bible and prayer. In addition to that, here are a few other practices that summer is ripe for:
- Corporate worship. Exalting God as the bride of Christ is always a beautiful experience, but particularly in summer you might find it easier to relax in the presence of others as you worship. Seasons of grief call for occasional times of worship in solitude where you can express your lament, but seasons of joy should be shared. Your freedom and excitement in worship just might light a spark in someone else, giving them permission to rejoice more fully in their savior.
- Intercessory prayer. Praying the heart of Christ for others comes naturally in summer. Afterall, you’re not so worried about your own petitions and requests, so you can spend more time bringing your brothers and sisters to the throne of grace. Let’s do this in our own prayer times as the Holy Spirit leads but also look for opportunities to pray in person with those who share their difficulties with us.
- Hospitality and service. Here’s an overused quote I do like: “If you find yourself with extra wood, don’t build a bigger fence. Build a longer table.” Seasons of abundance are meant to be shared. Open your home, your heart, your wallet, your calendar–whatever it is you have plenty of–to those around you who have less. How can you serve Jesus by serving others today?
- Celebration. This might be one of the most overlooked spiritual disciplines. Most of us like a good party and make a fuss about celebrating special occasions, but how often do we choose to celebrate Jesus? Do we ever gather together just for the sake of joy and thankfulness and grace? Do we bring celebration into the routines of regular life by lighting candles, dancing, and wearing that flashy red dress on any ol’ Saturday? It might be time to start, friends.
BOOKS FOR SUMMER
- If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg is an inspirational read on stepping out of your comfort zone and into a life of active faith.
- Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. I’m sure you’ve heard of this book by Francis Chan, but if you haven’t read it yet you’ll want to. God’s wild love for you just might inspire you to respond with a wild love for Him.
- Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth. If you’re getting involved in ministry and shepherding others, understanding the stages and steps of spiritual growth is essential. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere’s book is a wonderful guide for that.
A SCRIPTURE FOR SUMMER
Spend some time in the life of Christ in the gospels. Absorb what he does and says while in active ministry. And perhaps stick this verse on your fridge or tuck it into your wallet as a reminder:
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ”
A SUMMER PRAYER FOR YOU
Father God, you give good gifts. You give abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. Thank you. Thank you for a foretaste of heaven through the sweetness of summer. Thank you for warm memories that carry us through the cold of winter. Thank you for opportunities to bring a lighter step to those around us who carry heavy burdens. Thank you for your care and generosity. Guard our hearts from self-sufficiency and overindulgence. Keep us clinging tightly to you in every season. For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, we wed ourselves to you, dear Jesus. And we celebrate your goodness every step of the way. Hallelujah–the highest of praise to Yahweh! Amen.
BONUS: MY TOP TEN PICS FROM SUMMER 2021
#1 The perfect example of a random celebration: my daughter initiated a “slime party” during our first week home.
#2 We reconnected with some sweet friends from Alaska and took them to our favorite nearby waterfall, which happens to be where Troy proposed 17 years ago.
#3 Bucket list item #73: Feed a sloth. Check! But seriously, do you see those teeth?!
#4 This is one of our happy spots: my parents’ weekly campfire cookout for Sabbath. Plus, my sister came to visit!
#5 Baptizing my son in a gorgeous mountain lake definitely ranked on the top of my list of summer highlights.
#6 I got to celebrate my mom’s 65th birthday with her! It didn’t go exactly as planned but we treasured the rare girl time together.
#7 My dad running a chainsaw like a boss. We put up so much firewood this summer it’s not even funny. Our parents will stay warm this winter for sure!
#8 Puppies! My parents’ dog had 9 beautiful puppies just 3 days before we arrived home and we got to spend the entire time there watching them grow. This cutie was the first one I picked up and I named her Feather for the delicate white stripe up her face. Yes, I cried when we had to say goodbye.
#9 My mom sewed this dress for me as a little girl and we found it saved in a box. It just happened to fit my daughter perfectly this summer! Notice the puppy, also. Same one I’m holding, just 6 weeks bigger.
#10 Huckleberries. They’re like rare mountain gems with more pucker power than a blueberry. I love ‘em and was delighted they ripened before we had to leave.
1 Comment
tender places, indeed – this summer season of coming and going