SUMMERTIME

Summer time! Just as we tire of the sameness of one season, along comes the next, at least on the "wet" coast. As the days are longer, most people spend more time outdoors, and usually, routines change. Whether you are taking an exotic holiday or merely a break from school, you'll be likely doing at least some things differently. For example, taking a moment to relax on the deck the other day, I gazed at my surroundings. What a truly creative Creator we have! Trees and shrubs and flowers - a riot of color. Every hue and shade so vibrant in the warm sunlight. As I closed my eyes to thank God for this beautiful world, I was reminded of all those people who are sightless and thought of what they are missing. I thanked God for my eyes, however imperfect, for they still let me see. Eyes still closed, I focused on sound, and what sounds I heard. Some were man made, but the best by far were melodies of nature, the songs and calls of chickadees, robins, swallows, juncos, kestrels, jays...and I thanked God for the gift of hearing. The many people who live in a silent world came to mind. What music they are missing. Inhaling deeply, I took in the heady fragrances of phlox, lilies, roses and buddleia, wondering how those people with out the sense of smell interpret this world. What a truly awesome world we are privileged to live in! With such a beautiful world to inhabit created by God in such a relatively short time, I thought of what God's word says in John 142-3, where Jesus says,

"In my Father's house are many rooms...I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am".

He's been preparing that place for us for some time now - heaven! When I try to think of what heaven will be like it is almost impossible. My wildest imagination will not be grand enough. What will we see and hear and smell, and touch? What other senses might we have to try out that we haven't even thought of? The beauty of heaven and all it's new experiences awaits those who have put their trust in God, by accepting Jesus as their saviour. Why not take a moment this summer to thank God for the marvellous creation he has given us, and for your God given ability to enjoy it.