Summer is in full swing!
I have been reflecting lately on how much the seasons impact our lives. Since starting The Persistent Christian, I have been drawn to centering my writing around the seasons of the spiritual life. This idea was first introduced to me by a campus minister in college. We talked about times of desolation and times of rejoicing in the spiritual life and how they can be compared to the four physical seasons.
This has stuck with me ever since, as the seasons truly impact things, whether in little or big ways. The seasons are a reminder that each peson’s walk with the Lord will have changes in scenery. Additionally, seasons are also honored in the Catholic faith: there is the beauty of Ordinary Time, the waiting and cleansing of Lent, anticipating in Advent, and celebrating in Easter.
God is unchanging, but our lives and circumstances do. The path sometimes winds, descends, and ascends. But, each day is a gift. And, the Lord promises to be with us always:
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:20, NRSV-CE
It is only natural that our days and schedules would adapt as circumstances change. In the literal sense, as the daylight has stretched into the late evening hours, I have been enjoying the cooler respite from the hot days. As the sun goes down, I have spent a lot of time with my hands and feet in the garden dirt. The 5pm sunsets are far in the rear view mirror for now, and my daily schedule is grateful for it!
While we continue to have our daily responsibilities to keep up with, the good weather and beauty of His creation draw us outdoors and into dialogue with Him through all that He has made for us.
And furthermore, we go through all kinds of seasons. Physical seasons like spring, summer, fall, and winter, but also spiritual and emotional seasons like despair, joy, and loss. As we grow and change, so does our spiritual life.
As the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. . .”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, NRSV-CE
I pray that this summer is full of God’s blessings for you. In the long, summer nights, I hope you find the signs of God’s hand all around.
He is here.
Gardening Questions
A big part of my summer is planting and nurturing a garden! I started my first garden in 2023, and each year I am learning and adapting. The survey below has a few questions surrounding the garden!
I think it would be fun to start a gardening section of The Persistent Christian. God is the master gardener, and how beautiful that we can participate in stewarding creation. The survey above helps me gauge interest in this topic.
Have any other gardening thoughts? Or suggestions for another section topic?
Drop me a line below!
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What’s new?
There were two new posts in the month of June. Click below to read them.
1. Summer praise
A brief imagery on the beauty of the summer season. Thank you, Lord for the gift of the warm season!
Summer Praises
The smell of burgers on the BBQ. The squeals and splashing of the kids in the pool. The distant murmurs of loved ones and the clinking of glasses.
2. Reflections on directions
It is so hard to relinquish control to the Lord. Yet, it is necessary. This is a reflection on giving it all to Him.
Lord, Show Me the Way
As a planner, chronic worrier, and lover of order, allowing the Lord to direct my steps is truly difficult.
In Closing…
Thank you for being here! It is a blessing to be able to share my writing, and I am grateful for your reading.
May the Lord shine His face upon you.
In Christ,