Solstice Sun

Today as I was driving listening to my new playlist with the skylight open on my Jeep, I couldn’t help but focus on the smell of summer air. I was at the stop sign where the smell of fresh-cut grass filled my senses. When I passed the city scape of buildings just right, the sun would beam into my front seat warming me, filling my spirit with hope as my playlist blasted my songs of inspiration.

My recollection of the past creates anticipation as we approach the summer solstice on June 15, 2015 at 9:39 am.  I was thinking about how lucky I am to live in the Midwest. The fact that we change seasons from spring to summer from summer to autumn then autumn to winter. This cycle of the seasons create opportunities for change and redefining our life and goals. The seasons mark the end while we anticipate the journey of the next season. It seems like we challenge ourselves for change as the seasons pass. As we anticipate summer some of us might be planning family vacations, others might be trying to lose that last 20 pounds before swimsuit season while others are planning outside projects. I was thinking today about our tradition of “spring cleaning” the junk out of our life or as we ring in the New Year, we set ambitious goals on how we are going to live the next year.  This year I refused to set New Year goals but instead challenge myself to establishing some habit of mind.

Reflecting about summer forced my thoughts rewind to my childhood. Some of my favorite ways to spend my summer where pretty simple. I remember laying in the grass wondering about the sky and was Jesus watching. In wonder I thought, “Was God the Sun?”  I think of playing with my friends on my neighborhood block, riding my red banana seat bike until it was dark while the street lights brighten my path to home.  How simple it was to kick a ball around in the street never worried about someone driving past. My friends and I would laugh for hours into the darkness of the evening on our little neighborhood street. Some of my best memories were night swimming with my family in our backyard pool or sitting for hours on the front porch swing. Always thinking it was home, safe, our place to live, share and enjoy summer.

My hope for this summer solstice is to make time for repeating the past. Walk barefoot in the grass, maybe splash in the puddles during a hot summer rain. Lay outside and watch the bright afternoon sun, feel the heat, wonder about life, God and dream. Sit outside with my friends and family on the street corner until the street lights brighten the path for a game. Be simple and feel safe in my community enjoying life, thank Jesus for each day.

What is your hope for the solstice marking our beginning of summer.

“Set for Solstice.”