As I sit down to write this, we’ve just returned from celebrating Canada Day as a family. There’s nothing quite like being out in God’s beautiful creation. Today we experienced it all city, ocean, mountains, rivers, and forests. I often think God really outdid Himself when He created Canada. From sea to sea, our country is so vast and diverse. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place.
At the end of June, we move from the fast and, if we’re honest, sometimes frantic, pace of the school year into a season of long summer days. The pace of life slows, we catch our breath, and perhaps even breathe a little deeper and a little more slowly. One of my very favourite things about summer is burying my face in a sweet-smelling garden rose. To inhale its fragrance feels like discovering a treasure. I simply can’t resist taking the time to stop and smell the roses, and whenever I do, I’m reminded of just how good our God is.
There are seasons in life when we get to soak in God’s goodness, and His love seems evident everywhere we look. Yet there are also days and seasons when we must look a little harder to find beauty amid pain or heartache. In those moments, we hold on to the sweet-smelling rose, the beautiful sunset, cherished memories of loved ones here and loved ones past, or the quiet kindness of a friend, and the countless reminders of God's grace that surround us each day.
Whether this summer is a season of celebration, rest, grief, or simply carrying on with everyday life, I pray that we would take time to slow our pace, care for our souls, spend time with God, and enjoy the people and beauty around us. May God open our eyes to see the daily graces He places before us. May we experience unexpected moments of peace and gratitude that gently remind us of His sweet presence. May we be reminded again and again that we are deeply loved by the God who walks with us through every season of life.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
