Midweek: Summer

The following was written by Heidi Gaul, and printed in Guideposts' Mornings with Jesus, May/June 2023:

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
~ 1 Timothy 4:15

The sun rises and sets, the moon shines in the sky, and the world continues its rotation around the sun. As the seasons advance, days lengthen from one to the next, the change imperceptible but undeniable. And then at last, the summer solstice arrives. The longest day of the year.

This has fast become one of my favorite days, and I get excited. As an avid gardener, it represents the heart of growing season to me. Seedlings stretch skyward, bees bounce from blossom to blossom, and the sun shines bright. Within weeks, harvest will begin.

As I consider Earth's slow but steady change and how it benefits my plants, I sensed an invitation from Jesus. Maybe I could turn certain behaviors around gradually, just as our planet does. This approach to self-improvement might be more successful that my failed New Year's resolutions. I decided to give it a try.

Like my garden, I allowed myself ample time and nurturing as I battled established habits. I watched for and celebrated every sign of growth. Instead of punishing myself for setbacks, I focused on growing for Jesus, with Jesus, and through Jesus. I learned to offer myself --and others --the same grace He's shown me. But more than that, I worked toward a spiritual harvest rooted in love, one rich with fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). One that is everlasting.

~ Heidi Gaul