Celebration Summer

Bible Reading: Psalm 116:9, 12-14

“I was really looking forward to seeing Niagara Falls this summer after we had to cancel our trip last year because of the pandemic,” Mindy told her brother, “and now Dad—”

“Dad can’t help it that we had to change our summer plans,” interrupted Jeff. “One of the guys at work broke a leg, so Dad can’t take time off right now. At least he still has a job and didn’t get laid off like a lot of other people.”

“I think we have two choices here,” said Mom. “We can feel sorry for ourselves and mope around all summer, or we can be thankful for the things we are able to do. We can have a celebration summer and do things close to home.”

Mindy frowned. “What would we celebrate?”

“How about good health and being together—and the job God has given Dad?” Mom suggested. “How about celebrating God’s great love for us and the salvation He’s given us through Jesus?”

“Well…okay. But how would we celebrate things like that?” asked Mindy.

“One way might be to spend time at the lake and in the woods and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation around us,” Mom replied.

“Can we do some of the things we always say we want to do someday?” asked Jeff. “I’d sure like to go to the air show.”

Mom nodded. “Let’s plan to do that.”

“How about the museum too, and the candy factory?” asked Mindy, starting to feel a little excited at the idea.

“Sounds good,” Mom said.

“And let’s go camping at that huge pond on Mr. Bixby’s farm,” Jeff suggested. “He invited us to do that sometime. We could go on a weekend so Dad can come too.”

“And let’s take Grandpa with us,” Mindy said. “He’d love it!”

Mom smiled. “That’s a great idea. Why don’t we include a friend or two on each of our outings? Let’s celebrate God’s blessings with others.”

“All right!” Jeff grinned broadly. “This is starting to sound like fun, and we won’t have to spend day after day riding in the car.”

“And it won’t just be a one-week vacation either,” said Mindy. “It will last all summer long!” -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Has a change of plans left you feeling disappointed? Your plans have probably been disrupted a lot in the last year, and maybe you were looking forward to finally being able to do something, but it didn’t work out. Even though things didn’t go as planned, you can still be thankful for God’s many blessings, including the greatest one of all—Jesus dying for your sins so you could be saved and enjoy life with Him. This summer, celebrate the good things God has given you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits. The God of our salvation! (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Enjoy the blessings all around you