Blessing of Summer

Have you ever seen or heard the Lion King Musical? The marriage of profound lyrics of Tim Rice to the etherial music of Elton John is particularly memorable in the  classic song “the circle of life.”

From the day we arrive on the planet

And, blinking, step into the sun

There's more to see than can ever be seen

More to do than can ever be done

There's far too much to take in here

More to find than can ever be found

But the sun rolling high

Through the sapphire sky

Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the circle of life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love

'Til we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the circle

The circle of life.

Jesus speaks in much the same way in Matthew 24:32-35 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.  Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The changing of a tree’s leaves is nature’s way to indicate a change in season is approaching. And what Jesus is saying is that we can take note of the lessons from nature. The ‘it’ that Jesus refers to is the consummation of Creation. If we are familiar with Scripture and know what to look for, we will recognise the signs that Jesus is just around the corner too. We should be immersing ourselves in God’s word every day. And when we do that, the signs that the one who came, has come and is coming - Jesus is near should be as plain to us as the coming of summer.

Thank You Lord Jesus that no matter how overwhelming our troubles appear – You are our ever present, everlasting refuge and help! Help us to remember to humble ourselves and give ALL of our troubles to You – for You care for each of us! Amen.