As a child I remember singing the song, “In the good old summer time” and it was great when school let out and life slowed down for the summer. That was then, and for many the good old summer time is no longer a slow down of any kind. In fact for some it is even harder to endure with smog warnings, fluctuating temperatures due to climate warming, or oppressive heat and humidity. Here at St. Giles, on Sunday mornings, this won’t be such an issue since this is the first summer when the Sanctuary will be air conditioned. Ironically the issues will likely be air currents and cool drafts on bare heads, etc., as we learn how to run the air conditioning so that it cools adequately but not too much for the more sensitive types in our midst. In a way it is comical that if it is not one thing it will be another. People can always find something to complain, or sing praises about, given their spiritual temperament. For some the glass is always half empty and for others it is half-full.

The bible teaches us to enjoy each day as they come and to not worry about the past or the future. Jesus said: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”(Matthew 6:27). However some in our society love to worry and there are lots of advertisers out there who like to tell us that we can not only add hours, but fun, hairs on our head, and many others things, if we not only worry about it, but more importantly, buy their products. Their products will make a significant difference to our quality of life. Perhaps, to a small extent, their claims may be valid but in the end, it is only our relationship with God that makes the big difference. That inner hole that we would like filled won’t be filled by a vacation, or a new gadget, or anything else. It can only be filled by the Love of God found in Christ Jesus, the Lord. He is the one who can give us the “Peace, that passes understanding.” All the running around and keeping busy, or shopping, won’t do it.

When we have Jesus in our hearts it is not only “the good old summer time”, it is that good old spring, fall and winter time as well. Even death loses its sting and we can learn to look forward to the new life yet to come, which will be even better than the good old times we have here and now. What a wonderful thing it is when we can always look forward from now to eternity in our life with God. No matter what happens we can feel confident and secure that God is with us and that the Lord of Life will watch over us and lead us forward with a holy joy into the future. All transitions become just another threshold to pass over into the new life that the Lord is always preparing before us. Thanks be to God for telling us of His eternal and unconditional Love and for the peace that is ours when we have put our whole faith into his eternal power. Have a great summer and if you have an inclination to come over this way on a Sunday Morning, drop in and worship with us as we celebrate the Love of God during this good old summer time.

Rev. Tijs, at St. Giles Presbyterian Church.

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