The Summer Day

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. –Lao Tzu

The Summer Day
(Mary Oliver)

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?

It’s never too early. And certainly never too late to make a fresh start, change direction or simply slow down for a bit. Enjoy the changing seasons and give thanks for life itself.


Monday Take your “spiritual temperature” today. What season are you living in right now? Pray to God as you are drawn. Isaiah 53:1-2

Tuesday Take a moment today to observe an animal, whether it’s a pet or a squirrel in a nearby tree. Watch and listen; seek to understand its “language.” ­Genesis 11:1-9

Wednesday Allow yourself to actually feel and experience today’s weather. Is it comfortable or uncomfortable for you? Rest. Enjoy a cold beverage. Hebrews 12:28

Thursday Take time to be aware of the beauty of God’s creation in this season. Savor the fruits of a late summer day. Consider trying an unfamiliar food. Acts 10:9-15

FridayWe are called to be blessing in the world. How will you bless someone today? Be deliberate in seeking the opportunity to offer God’s grace to another. Give thanks. Genesis 12:2-3

Saturday A new month, a new chance to open your heart to the grace God offers. Is there an area where you seek forgiveness? 2 Chronicles 7:13-16

Sunday World Communion Sunday Come together for worship with a curious mind, an open heart and a voice ready to praise the Living God. Seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place. Genesis 28:16-17


If you don’t take a Sabbath, something is wrong. You’re doing too much, you’re being too much in charge. You’ve got to quit, one day a week, and just watch what God is doing when you’re not doing anything. –Eugene Peterson


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