Having exhausted the themes I could dredge up in our very short Gospel reading for Sunday, I would like to talk about something else. (Yes, there are other readings appointed for Sunday, but they require way too much unpacking for this space.) Today, I invite us to consider how the gifts of summertime can help us refresh our connection to God.
The long days and warm weather which most Water Dailyreaders are enjoying, based on our location, offer occasions for spiritual connection, on our own and in groups. I don’t know about you, but my spirit is fed and expanded by being outdoors, feeling a breeze, watching the sunlight play on leaves, admiring the strength and beauty of trees and flowers, observing the antics of animals large and small. The form of praise called exaltation rises in me more readily, and gratitude becomes a more dominant theme in my prayer.
Summer offers more time for spiritual activities as well. Whether we sit outside or enjoy a long walk after dinner (or before breakfast…), we can enter into conversation with God because we’re not rushing as much. Long dinners with friends (outdoors? six feet apart?) allow time and space for the conversation to get spiritual as well. May I commend a few spiritual practices to try on during this season?
Mindfulness walks – Take a walk in the woods or a meadow or anywhere that you find beautiful. Pause before you start to breathe deeply and to attend to each of your senses, ending with the eyes. What do you hear? What do you feel on your skin? What do you smell and even taste? Finally, what do you see? Take your time to tune each of these senses, and as you walk, try to notice and appreciate without engaging your thoughts – and when you find your mind is busy, come back to the now by noticing with your senses again.
Sabbath – if this is not already your practice, try it for a season; sometimes people have more flexible work hours in summer and can set apart a full day to rest, recreate and relax. My rule for Sabbath is not to do anything that has a “should” attached, and avoid anything that would be considered productive, unless it is also creative and life-giving and joy-inducing. Making a fine meal for friends might count, but nothing from a to-do list. Cleaning can wait. Take some time in your Sabbath to sit with God, and some time to enjoy the beauty of outside. Mostly, just be! And listen.
Feasting – I love summer eating, and since I’ve expanded my appreciation of vegetables and fruits I find making food and eating it, alone or with others, an increasingly delightful adventure. Food makes real the incomprehensible abundance and variety of God’s creation, and variety and abundance seem particularly vivid in the summer. Make a spiritual activity of planning a menu, acquiring ingredients (especially if it can involve a garden or farmer’s market), grilling if you like that. I love to sauté on my grill’s extra burner, even chopping the vegetables outside, adding herbs from my garden. My deck becomes a kitchen and dining room all in one. Praise the Creator with each phase of preparation; invite Jesus to join you as you eat – he was no stranger to dinner tables or kitchens. Savor the richness of fine food – and know that God is in the middle of it all.
There are many more spiritual practices that are particularly wonderful to embrace during the summer, but these are enough for today. As we move into the vacation season, I pray you will have many opportunities to draw near to God and experience the presence of the Spirit this summer.
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