Our Father in Heaven,

Although the calendar tells us that summer doesn’t begin until June 21, summer has always seemed to begin for me when school gets out and we celebrate the Memorial Day weekend. I’ve always thought of summer as the months of June, July and August. Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer is by far my favorite season of the year.

Thank you, Father, for the season of summer. I love the warm temperatures, the green grass, trees blowing in the wind, and the fact that here in the Midwest it will stay light until nearly 9:00 pm.

We are just beginning to see the soybean and corn crops coming up through the rich soil we are blessed with here. Throughout the summer we look forward to watching the crops grow to maturity.

Summer is an opportunity to make memories by reuniting with family and friends for a special vacation, a reunion, a picnic, or a trip to the ballpark of our favorite teams.

Father, let us not forget the mercies you have shown us in our lives. Thank you for peaceful walks with our dog in the park and neighborhood and the friends we meet along the way. Thank you for the opportunity to watch my brother play softball at the nearby complex each week. Thank you for the technology to listen to wonderful Christian podcasts or our favorite music as we stroll along.

Although the pace can be slower and more relaxed, we want to be teachable this summer. Father, what do you want to teach us this summer? From your Word? How to be a better spouse, sibling, friend? Are there relationships you want us to focus on this summer? Relationships that need to be mended, or relationships that have lapsed that need to be rekindled? What books should we read to grow in areas that we need to mature in?  What ministries should we be serving in at church? Help us to use the skills, talents and experiences you have provided to serve you and others in any teaching, mentoring or volunteering opportunities that will be pleasing to you.

Father, we look forward to this summer and your continual guidance of our lives.

In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen

Bill Pence is a former Fortune 50 manager, church leader, and lifelong learner passionate about helping others grow and thrive. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, he draws inspiration from Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Bill enjoys a wide range of music, from modern hymns to Christian hip-hop and classic rock. He and his wife Tammy, a Covenant Seminary graduate, have both authored books—Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in The Workplace (Bill) and Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold (Tammy).

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