Summertime And The Living Is Easy

Things seem so different in the summer. Iced tea replaces hot chocolate as the go to refreshment, jackets fit into a belt pack or easily tie around the waist and socks are optional. We have our casual shorts, our swimming shorts and our “going out to dinner” shorts and long sleave shirts are reserved for those chilly nights around the fire. The days are longer, the light seems brighter and, now that masks are optional, the smiles we see are a bit bigger, or so it seems. I was chatting with someone the other day and they made mention that since it got warmer and the masks were discarded, there seems to be a new attitude that has been lost for many, many months. People were acknowledging each other while walking down the street. When holding a door open for someone, the gratitude can be seen on the face and kind nods are exchanged. It is funny what a mask can do to the psyche. For months, we have been trapped behind the mask, unable to utilize a language that has been a part of our makeup since forever. It hard to tell if a person is smiling or downtrodden when the mask is hiding the subtle nuances of the silent language. The language of us all is a combination of the spoken word, what is seen by the eyes and what is felt in human contact.

A couple days ago, I got to hug my son for the first time in over a year and got to kiss my grandson for the first time in both our lives. I got to smell his hair, hold his hand and hear the contentment in his breathing as he sat with me drinking his bottle. For eleven months I drank in every nuance of his being over the internet but the connection was not complete, there was still something missing. When I caught up to him and my son at the airport, what was distant was made whole in only a moment. The days are even more sunny this week, the leaves are even more green and life is good. The bond has been made and I can honestly say to my grandson that nothing will ever separate him from the love of Grampa. We are made in the image of God and therefore are very protective and loving of those around us. In Romans 8 it is said:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I look upon the face of my grandson as he smiles up at me, see the joy in the face of gramma as she shines with joy and watch as my son displays perfect love towards his own son, I can only imagine the joy and love our Father in Heaven has when He looks over each of us. Summertime, and the living is easy, we bask in the love of our Creator, marvel at the wonders He has made for us all and reflect the light of the King in all we do. My suggestion for us all, grab a tall glass of iced tea, take a moment out of your busy schedule and reflect on the wonders all around you and give praise to the Master and Saviour.

Once again, an FYI; the Board of Directors for MAF voted all in favour that masks are personal choice in accordance with the AHS Protocols but still ask that if you are feeling ill, watch us online until you are feeling better. We invite you to join us either in person at 10:30 AM Sunday or online at:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com