SuMmER FuN :-)

This has by far been a FANTASTIC summer. Now summer has always been my favorite month. It’s like shaking off the layers of heavy apparel from winter and the negative temperatures is just what is needed to light up my life and put a smile on my face.

I love to feel the warm sun shooting rays on my skin. I love to drive with the windows down and bare feet hitting the gas and brake pedals. I usually will have one foot propped up on my seat and the chair slightly reclined back with the music blasting. Hey, what can I say, I’m a laid back driver :-). And so these little treats in and of themselves are fabulous. But in addition this summer I have had some very special visitors that have made life even more blessed. My BFF from Florida came for a visit and I soaked up all of her attention for a full week! This was especially exciting for me as I have not had that much one-on-one time with her since college (nearly 10 years, where does the time go???). Probably the BEST part of her stay was her introducing me to THE Bruno Mars! I have to admit, I underestimated that brother! I had no idea how talented he was until seeing him in concert. He really worked the stage. I had to fight not being obsessed with him after experiencing his SWAG, SMH. I did however indulge myself and rock his name on a pair of shorts they were selling after the concert. What can I say, the flesh is weak…

Our shopping sprees and various relaxation activities were amazing. I really enjoyed spending so much time with her. And then I was visited by another dear sister only a week later. This particular woman touches my heart in the most intimate of places. The restoration of our friendship has shown me that with God all things are possible. He has confirmed this woman is family and I thoroughly enjoyed hosting her during her stay. We spent time with her loved ones, visited the beach and chilled at an outside gathering in the city. Her gift of humor was just what I needed and it was non-stop laughter from sun up til sun down while in her presence. I’ve never woken up day after day with a smile on my face until her visit. It was an amazing experience.

And probably like many I’ve had my share of weddings, wedding showers, baby showers and birthday parties this summer. The celebrations just keep on coming and I keep getting invites. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE to dance. I will be the first one on the floor and the last one off. So these celebrations are just my ticket to let loose and relax. So often my type A-ness causes me to be “uptight” and too serious. I can see how this summer has been full of fun and smiles and I am grateful. And it’s not over! I expect some more very special visitors in the next few weeks. There will be more of God showing me His love and that He is always thinking of me as I host these visitors and enjoy more restoration of relationships.

Life is so full of ups and downs. There is pain and there are trials. There is heartache and heartbreak. There is grief and struggle. But then there are summer seasons. Full of love and joy and blessings. Full of laughter, and smiles.  And sometimes the summer seasons will overlap with the winter seasons of life. Sometimes the seasons will be intervowen, taking turns pruning and molding and shaping us as they dance around our hearts.  It is grand to know we can lay hold of God’s hands, engage in this dance, and make our way along the path that God has called us to.  Never alone.  Never forsaken.

SHALOM