A Spirit for the Summer Vacation

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

I find that summer can be exhausting as well as joyful and fun.  It has the highs of parades, seeing grandkids and family, vacationing in parts of God’s creation that are beyond the expression of beauty and awe.  These are the wows!

But summer vacation has its tedium too.  I have not seen anyone’s pictures of the cone season or shared videos of waiting for a pilot car to guide the long line of traffic through one lane of traffic while the other lanes or bridges are under construction.  Or on the other hand, what about the incessant waiting in airports if a flight is cancelled or delayed; or a train that is hours late from its intended schedule?  Or a child (and even an adult) who is anxiously asking, “Are we there yet?”

It’s in moments like these that we can have a spirit to get through it.  The verse that I share is one of my favorites that brings a renewed sense of awe and the extra strength to persevere and find joy!   It is a call and prayer for hope in the Lord – to get through whatever.  It is a petition for strength and renewal.  Ultimately, it’s a divine request to soar and find that second breath, to enjoy the walk and not be faint – even while one is stuck in a traffic line waiting for a pilot car, or a delayed/rescheduled flight, or for a late train that will be coming.

 It is the satisfaction of having those pictures of the parades, the grandkids’ smiles and joy of playing, and the awe that all feel when they behold God’s creation.  Yes, summer vacation is a time of renewal and can be a time to soar!  ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Prayer: O God, let this summer be a time of refreshment, renewal, and a reframed attitude to persevere through the tedium that can be frustrating.  As we feel that relief, so may we soar on the joy that summer vacations can be for our mutual health and faith in You through Christ Jesus. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling