Summer’s Sunsetting
Summer’s Sunsetting:
Evening by evening, since late June, the sunset’s magnificence has graced us ever-so-slowly sooner. Night by night. A minute here and a couple minutes there, and we now have the realization—not only by the school-supply-filled aisles—but the sky as well, that summer is gradually slipping away. Though sadness creeps over many of us at the thought of summer’s end, when we remember the One who thought to make summer—the One who gave us summer—and the One who could have made a world without summer—then, with our eyes fixed on Summer’s Maker, sadness is met with HOPE.
HOPE that isn’t bound by a season or limited to a few favorite months, but HOPE that is enduring—HOPE that will remain through school calendars, less daylight, and stricter schedules. Although we will soon will say “Good-bye” to Summer 2025, let’s remember that although summer sunsets, God remains. . .
God, who always gives us new seasons and events to look forward to. . . like the launching of a children’s picture book! Yay—and Yikes!
Courage Disbursed & Bravery Borrowed:
“My friends will be doing it too!” In July, I asked my granddaughter how she was feeling about an upcoming competitive sporting event. She responded honestly, admitting some nervousness along with the knowledge of Joshua 1:9—that God would be with her—and, how much it would help to have her friends in the lanes beside her. Her words “My friends will be doing it too” have stuck with me. They’re the words I’ve needed this summer as the loonnggg process of writing and publishing my first book is nearing “Go time!”
So often we think of the negative friendship potentials for our youth. If our kids aren’t grounded, friends can entice and sway them toward all sorts of dangers. But the opposite is true too. Godly friends can inspire us to good works, to do hard things, and to keep the faith.
When my own friends show up at early Saturday morning prayer, I’m encouraged. I’m motivated to get up and go because I know they’ll be there. The impact of their prayerful presence in spite of their overly-full plates is long-lasting. Similarly, when I witness others sacrificially investing in grandkids, I’m compelled to keep showing up too. And, when other authors and writers commit to the discipline of meeting with their keyboard and vulnerably put their work “out there” for all the world to see, I’m encouraged by their courage to hit send—and to print, publish, and make the words public!
Let’s pray that our kids and grandkids have friends, classmates, and teammates whom they can borrow bravery from—especially at the onset of a new school year. And, let’s encourage them with our own stories of how someone else’s “disbursed courage” spurred us to the hard thing—the right thing. Along the way, we can ask ourselves how we might be the ones to loan some inspiration. Maybe we’ll all show up—even in the most inconvenient and nerve-wracking ways—because of each other. Because we saw him. Because we saw her. Because they saw you.
No Matter What, God Loves You!
It’s soooo close! After decades of writing in various formats and publications, God is bringing to fruition the dream He nurtured in me long ago to write a book.
Based on the long-time “no matter” message of my church, Prairie Lakes (PLC), the modern-day story re-tells the truths of both Old and New Testament heroes and how even though they lacked confidence, or messed up, or seemed like a nobody, God still loved them. And, God still loves us!!! No matter our age, our background, our defeats, or shortcomings, God loves us. It’s the story that every child—and the adult reading to them—needs to hear.
Stay tuned for your opportunity to help launch the book and spread the important message of God’s love to a child who’s been made fun of or an adult who is feeling unlovable.
Grateful for August, for all of Summer, and for you,
Grammy Kay