“Summertime…and the living is easy…”

The first line of the song “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald. I am hopeful you are finding the living easy as summer rounds third base. This is my favorite time of the summer. The beginning of August is not so close to the start of school but far enough away from all the summer “expectations” we thought we had to figure out back in late May.

I am also keenly aware that not everyone is living easy as we enter into August. As the pandemic continues to wind down (praying to God the winding down continues), I am finding more and more people who are challenged with the fatigue of the pandemic and the journey of re-entry into full-time life. Relationships might feel more acutely stressful, work may feel more like a balancing act, and navigating life at home might feel more like a continuous roller coaster than a merry-go-round. Again, my prayer is that your living is easy, but if it is not – God’s got you.

From the Apostle Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians: No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and God will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing God will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. Those are words I can hold onto in these summer days if the living is easy or if I am finding the days a little longer than I expected.

Sometimes we simply need to be reminded of the promise that God’s got us in the good times and the not so good times also. The way that I am most often reminded of that promise is when I find myself leading worship – sharing the words of promise we find in the liturgy and Scriptures. And of course, in the words of the songs we sing.

As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after you.
You alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you.

And if that is too new for you…well here is another favorite…

I love to tell the story.
‘Twill be my theme in glory.
To tell the old, old story.
Of Jesus and his love.

Both songs remind me of God’s promise to carry; to tend; to love us through some of the most difficult days.  It is a reminder I need when I am in the thick of the stuff of ministry and a reminder I need, just as much, when I am away from the ministry God calls me to share with you.

So my friends, I hope the living is easy in these late summer days. I hope you find time to be away from the normal routines and the “stuff” that keeps you busy and away from days of rest. I also hope that you will find time to reconnect with God in worship. We are waiting to welcome you back. Baptisms are happening. New visitors are checking out Ascension for the first time. So maybe come to worship to reconnect with your Savior and be reminded of God’s love and then set aside some time to reconnect with yourself and those you love.  My gosh, even the pipes and insides of the organ are off for renewal in Illinois. You can see the pictures on the following pages. Apparently, all of creation needs rest and renewal – even the organ pipes. Until I see you in worship, be well, find joy, live easy.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Chris