Scripture:
Jeremiah 7:1-11
Matthew 13:24-30
Reflection:
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.” Psalm 84
Summertime invites us to scale back, to take time for rest and relaxation, to go away from the busyness of our daily lives. When we really take seriously the challenge to leave everything behind and focus on the care of body, mind and spirit, we experience first- hand what the psalmist is saying in psalm 84,
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.”
This summer for me has been busy focusing on renewing body, mind and spirit! I traveled back home to Michigan in May for a family wedding. It was a time for catching up with family, walking the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoying sunsets as well. In June, my KY family of eight adults, 3 babies and 3 dogs spent a week at the Outer Banks, NC. It was a week filled with ghost crabbing, Elizabethan gardens, wild mustangs on the Corolla beach, ocean surfing and lighthouses and sunsets. There was lots of time to play with babies, eat Duck donuts for breakfast and enjoy some really good seafood!
The month of June closed out with our parish Vacation Bible School for Adults. The theme, Splashin’ Through Summer with Scripture included prayer, scripture reflection, song and hospitality. This first-time event drew adults from neighboring parishes as well as our own. it was a fun time and nourished our spirits at the same time.
The month of July has been filled with beach and boating, campfires and our parish carnival. I also traveled back to the Holy Hill for our annual reunion with theology classmates. This month will close out with a visit of our old friends who will travel here from Ontario for their annual visit. We are looking forward to picking up where we left off last summer amidst stories and memories, lots of laughter and a few tears!
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God”
The best gift of this summer for me has been the ability to recognize and bask in the presence of God in family, friends, events and activities. May we always be attentive to this unconditional love of God. Summer Blessings!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.