One of our members was in New Zealand for Easter. Down under, the season was fall. Instead of spring flowers, autumn leaves decorated the Easter cross. While we start to swelter, it’s winter in the southern hemisphere. Why do I mention this? Because attending to the differences in the world’s latitude and longitude can create fresh awareness of how special this moment in this time truly is. Right now at a latitude of 30.45 degrees above the equator, summer is here. The sun rides high and stays long. We wake up not in winter dark but summer light. A million birds are singing. Ah, can you feel the ease in traffic now that school is out? Do you enjoy the long lit evenings after dinner? Have you found a place to dip into some cool water? There is much to savor.

 

We may often be thinking that appreciating nature is at odds with having so much technology. But that doesn’t have to be so. I love having an app that tells me sunrise and sunset times. I can see how the light is always changing and compare here to other places. I have an app that lets me identify the stars and planets I can see on a summer night. There’s Arcturus ruling the summer sky! There’s an app to identify bird sounds. And, if you’re traveling, an app can tell you the altitude of wherever you are. Paying attention to light, stars, birds, trees, even the passing of the hours, can tune us into the wonder of the world God has made. Remarkably we live closer to our Lord when we intentionally enter the rhythms of his seasons.

 

I hope you get some refreshing changes of pace this season. Savor time with loved ones. Notice where you are. Kindle hope in Jesus’ promise, “Behold I make all things new.” Wherever you are, know that I love being your pastor.