“O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who trusts in him.”
The hazy, lazy days of summer are upon us. With the heat comes various foods we may not eat at other times of the year. Grilled cheeseburgers with onions and pickles, sweet, juicy watermelon, and sticky popsicles delight our taste buds.
People travel more and spend time lazing by the pool or at the beach. Summer is a time of relaxation and fun activities with the family. Some of my fondest memories of summer are going to Seaside Heights, New Jersey, with my family, and trips to Six Flags Great Adventure and Coney Island. I miss the days when I could spend all day on rollercoasters screaming my head off in joy.
I’m not much of a fan of summer as I used to be when I was younger. I prefer air conditioning to the heat, and I can’t go on rides anymore because of my health problems. I still enjoy the tastes of summer. My husband makes the best cheeseburgers on his barbecue grill. I love watermelon, and don’t get me started on ice cream! I can eat it even if it’s zero degrees outside.
With all the activity and laid-back feeling of summer, we can forget to spend time with God. We may forgo our study time because of other things that pop up on our schedules. We don’t have to spend hours with the Lord, but we should never neglect time with Him.
So, how can we make time with God during the dog days? Here are a few suggestions:
Take your Bible with you. Whether it’s in book form or an app on your phone, have the Bible with you while sitting by the pool or on the beach. Listen to a few verses, a whole book, or a chapter.
Prayers don’t have to be long and flowery. God wants what is in your heart. Every time you take a drink of water, say a quick prayer to Him. Thank Him for the water you are drinking, or for the extra time you are spending with your kids.
Read a devotional. You can do this on your phone if taking a book with you isn’t possible. A devotional contains short, uplifting messages that can give you spiritual nourishment. They are quick and easy to read.
Spend time doing something for someone else. This is the way true faith is lived out. Invite a lonely neighbor over for a barbecue, or donate food to the local soup kitchen.
Have a dance and sing-along with your kids. Put on some upbeat worship music and enjoy worshiping and having fun with them.
Celebrate Christmas in July. My husband and I do this every summer. Get an ice cream cake and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Exchange a gift with someone and watch a Christmas movie.