It’s
suddenly summer in Arizona! We had a
week (perhaps) of winter, and now, suddenly, 83-89 degrees! Well, I’m lovin’ it! Isn’t it the same when
we become a new Christian? Or even an “old” one? With Christ’s love shining
down on us every day, our soul, heart and mind experiences the “suddenly
summer” syndrome of warmth, light, faith and renewal.
Without
Christ, there is the blustery, bone-chilling cold of winter with no escape –
the soul can never become warm and toasty and content. There is a hole of ice,
perhaps not so evident in daily life, but in moments of solitude, the cold
seeps in and numbs the heart and spirit. No artificial heat can suffice for
Christ’s “suddenly summer” warmth and power of the “Son.”
I feel
sad for my family in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and others throughout most of
our country who have suffered so much this winter. I almost feel guilty for
living in Arizona and enjoying the moderate temperatures of winter here. But I
know my family has the “suddenly summer” of God’s love in their hearts. THAT
warms ME! I am so very grateful for that knowledge. But my sadness expands to
the souls who do not believe and do not accept God’s love and forgiveness in
their lives – the faithless whom we must pray for continually, that they, too
may experience God’s “suddenly summer” love and protection.
Warmth
denotes so many images: a family gathered together after a separation; the
upward look of a child as he/she grabs hold of your hand; encountering a group
of fire fighters or EMTs in a grocery store – telling them “thank you” for all
you do for us and the look of amazement on their faces at the unexpected
acknowledgement; someone holding a door open for you; and most of all, the
image of Christ on the cross taking our burdens, cares and sins with Him as He
gives up His life for us all.
“Suddenly
summer” in February may be too warm for some folks, but for me, I say, “bring
it on!” And bring on the love of Christ every morning as we awake to the
brilliant sunshine of Christ’s love.
“Then the righteous
will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:43
He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:43
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