Days of the Endless Summer

Summer has always felt special. It has been an open door for freedom, an escape hatch from troubles, an entry way to the next stage. More than any other time of the year, it has always seemed as if summer is more here-and-now than all the other seasons could ever hope to claim. I hope you have been able to feel some of the magic this summer has left behind as we have tried to do in our family.

These are the days of the endless summer
These are the days, the time is now
There is no past, there's only future
There's only here, there's only now

Oh your smiling face, your gracious presence
The fires of spring are kindling bright
Oh the radiant heart and the song of glory
Crying freedom into night

Jennifer and I remember grass-stained bare feet and bee-stings and June bugs. We recall fishing in the creek or the lake, cow-pasture softball games and family reunions. We cooled off by drinking from a water hose. We roamed the yards where we grew up from the crack of dawn until the sun finally gave up and went away for a few hours. Then, in the gathering darkness, we captured lightning bugs after a brief chase. A tired sleep came reluctantly because slumber just seemed to be a detour to the fun being had.

These are the days by the sparkling river
His timely grace and our treasured find
This is the love of the one magician
Turned the water into wine
These are days of the endless dancing
And the long walks on the summer night
These are the days of the true romancing
When I'm holding you, oh, so tight

Now, we have a seven-year-old and her mileage with the seasons will vary. Still, we want her to come to know how special summer can be. We want her to remember bits and pieces of this summer, swimming in the lake and the ocean, pool time while on vacation, hair band bracelets, a golden tan, hanging out with grandparents and extended family, making new friends, catching lightning bugs, running barefoot through the yard. While her memories won’t be the same as we had that doesn’t mean those memories won’t be special to her. Maybe one day she will stop to think how special summer feels and roll back through the memories of past summers. Hopefully, she will then claim the here-and-now of that moment determined to always make summer feel special to her and those she loves, gifts provided by a loving God.

These are the days by the sparkling river
And His timely grace and the treasured find
This is the love of the one great magician
Turned the water into wine
These are the days now that we must savor
And we must enjoy as we can
These are the days that will last forever
You've got to hold them in your heart.

Even though it is slipping away, this summer still lingers, leaving open that door to more opportunities to make memories. I’ve now probably seen more summers than I will see in the years ahead. Although I’m not much for giving advice, take a moment to entertain what I have come to understand. Soak in the warmth. Breathe in the moment. Make a memory or two before the opportunity disappears. These can be times you will hold forever in your heart.

"These Are The Days" written and performed by the incomparable Van Morrison