Unfinished Summer Business

 

I didn't see it coming. Tax free weekend just slipped up on me like a bandit. Honestly...where did the summer go? It's a weird time of the year... I have to work hard to really enjoy South Texas in mid-August. OK... I guess I have to admit, hearing my father talk about the low 70's temperatures in Ohio has me drooling to get out of Dodge. Since I don't have kids, I've ignored the "back to school" advertisements. And being a bit of a sports addict, this time of year has me yawning. Waiting for football. Waiting for basketball. And the Pro Football Hall of Fame game? No interest.

It seems at this time of summer we can just get weary. Weary of the summer routine. Weary of the traffic. Weary of the heat. Weary of the sameness. As I find myself declaring a way on TV until football season, I need to up the ante on making my time count. Not frittering away the last of the summer of 2015.

 

 Do you have unfinished summer business? You know, those things that you planned to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet? I've hoped to get to Schlitterbahn WaterPark, but haven't made it yet. I have a stack of books on my dresser that still need to be read. I have a goal of riding my bike to Boerne before the summer winds down, but haven't made it yet. Unfinished business that for whatever reason, hasn't happened.

 

I love how the Psalmist reminds us of how valuable our time really is.  He states in Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." That verse strikes me as a powerful prayer for all of us! When I found myself guilty of wishing fall and cooler temps were here, I had to stop myself.  Why can't I appreciate THIS DAY? The Psalmist is praying to God to teach him HOW to number his days. The result? That he would gain a heart of wisdom. As I give thanks for the wonder of living each day, I don't find myself wishing for another season. I instead want to make the most of this season and this day. Seize it. Capture it. Enjoy it. Be thankful for it. Make the most of it.... hot weather and all.

What about you? What three things would you still like to accomplish this summer? What's keeping you from it? Since waking up this morning, have you given thanks for another day?  The gift of life itself? You are alive today by God's grace! Make it your best day. Take time for refreshment. Take time for soul care. Sometimes, the last person we take care of is ourselves. What's your unfinished summer business?

 

"Self-care is never a selfish act- it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others." Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak

 

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.