The Rhythm of Summer
Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 6:06PM I remember lying on the grass in front of the band shell at Ontario Place under a summer night sky, listening to Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson relax every bone in my body at the same time as he energized every corner of my spirit. I was so happy to be alive and so grateful for the memory I knew I was making.
Maybe because we Canadians know just how valuable summer is, most of us have memories like that—a hot sticky day that ends in the cool lake, a quiet canoe moment floating alongside a loon, a breezy ride in a convertible, a bite of ripe peach that squirts juice down your chin, a sunset seat on the end of a dock—those magical summer seconds when time holds still and we “feel” our own presence in the world with more joy than usual.
Summer creates a space for most of us to step back a little from the pace and de- mands that crowd the rest of the year. Summer begs us to remember that creation is good, that we are good, and that hope is an awfully good traveler—because it remains resilient come what may.
As I write those words I know that some may not be so sure about hope as I am. Perhaps it’s the season of my own life that gives me such bravado, but I’m pretty sure that when we release hope from our expectations, and let them be different, hope comes with an unfailing truth. And that’s what I think brushed up against me at Ontario Place many years ago, but also many years since in different ways. Hope says “hello” every time I drive with the mountains as good company. Hope nudges my elbow when a crusty soul cracks open with a laugh. Hope passes over with the hawk that dances with the air currents. Hope tucks me in at night when I read my evening prayer from the book Celtic Benediction that my soul sister Gerry Scharff gave me a few years ago.
This summer, how will hope come to you? And how will it lead you forward for all that lies ahead at work, at home, at school, and yes, at Lakeview United Church? Look for it. Wait for it. Greet it with a warm welcome. After all, it’s summer.
with you in ministry, Diane.