Summer’s Last Day

“All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship”

 Taken from Desert Song by Hillsong United

This song always stops me in my tracks. It is filled with verbs such as “bring praise,” “rejoice,” and “declare that God is near.”

It isn’t lost on me that my son, Josh, loaded this song on my iPod because he is one of the most grateful people that I know. We didn’t teach it to him. He simply is filled with gratitude. Even when he was faced with a plateful of a dreaded meal, he thanked his dad and me. Before he ate it. He even thanked the proctor for his ACT for her presence during the exam. Who does that? We used to laugh at that idiosyncrisy of his, but now realize that it is quite an important practice. Being grateful…no matter what.

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn. Most people focus upon that by looking ahead to pumpkin pie, falling leaves, sweatshirts, and frost on the lawn. Today is the last day of summer. I am going to spend a few moments reflecting upon some of the ways that I saw God with me in this last season. We lose something if we don’t stop to be grateful. No matter what. With my calendar at my side, I am going to capture some of those moments that surface joy from my heart.

Summer 2011

* I tracked down State Fair Zinnias. It wasn’t easy because I waited too long, but I found some thanks to a kind customer who gave me a tip. These are the zinnias that wave at me all summer long. They never stop making me smile.

* God invited a team of women to partner in bringing a Boundaries with Teens  class to our church. I am honored to help lead and shepherd and teach in that class. It clearly was God.

* We got to stand far too close to U2′s concert at Soldier Field. Can you believe that my first ‘rock’ concert didn’t occur until I was 51? I got to experience it with Ron, Debralyn, and Josh (watching Josh watch the Edge was phenomenal).

* I got to begin running again after a wintertime knee injury. I thought those days may have been in my rear-view mirror, but there is again a smiling woman out on the running trail. God speaks to me there. Sometimes in whispers, sometimes by a glimpse into creation, and sometimes by chalk written words such as courage and hope on the path.

* Ron and I provided each of our children tennis lessons when they were little. This summer we played tennis as a family. Even my dear daughter-in-law joined in the fun. These were some of my freeze frame moments. Ron and I also play against each other. I think it’s safe to say that I am excited to be on the tennis courts.

* I spent the day with my childhood/high school girlfriends (pictured here). There is little sweeter than being with people who have known me all of my life.

* Even though it was gut-wretching to take Debralyn to Moody Bible Institute, she found her glass slipper. It is a perfect fit. She is living the answer to many prayers, and I am honored to watch her joy multiply.

* Jacqui was offered a long-awaited job. Her and Jordan’s patience and dependency upon God inspired me. Oh, he now gets to be the Athletic Coordinator/Recruiter in the Admissions Department. If you read more in my blog, you’ll know how much he loves ANY sport!

* I get to watch firsthand Ron help lead International Teams because I volunteer there once a week. I have never been involved in his workplace….and it is fun to see that side of him shine. And I get to help tell the stories of the people ITeams is serving.

* My relational world has become richer. Imagine my delight to open a card stuck in my mailbox reminding me that I have a friend just a few steps away.

* Great America with Debralyn. And then with Josh. Enough said.

* Witnessing the ‘good-bye’ to two servants who have blessed my and my family’s lives immeasureably. It’s an honor to be counted as their friend.

I’m realizing that I could go on and on and on about many of the blessings I am thankful for this summer, but I will stop here for now. Did you notice that most things revolve around people? (and creation….that helps me connect with God) Without relationships…well, I don’t want to even imagine what that would be like.

Some seasons seem rich…others more lean. But, I want to be like Josh and express gratitude no matter what. As I write this, I keep peaking at the time because I have to leave for a dental consult. Without going into any details, my mouth has been a distracting irritation…and I chose to sit and write this blog before I went….because, I am going to chose gratitude on summer’s last day. And even tomorrow, I will chose gratitude on the first day of fall.

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