The summer solstice is approaching on June 20 at 2:51 p.m. Mountain time, just five days from the publication of this article in the newspaper.
Summer holds different meanings for different people. It has inspired many songs over the years, with playlists filled with classics like George Gershwin’s “Summertime, and the living is easy” and Eddie Cochran’s “(there ain’t no cure for the) Summertime Blues.” Other favorites include “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley and “Summer Girl” by Haim.
There seems to be a summer song for every emotion and experience.
Even before modern songwriters, God provided guidance on the timing of activities in our lives, reminiscent of the wisdom in the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes.
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In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, it is said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing …”
Summer is believed to be a time for enjoyment, taking advantage of warm weather and longer days, and for getting things done.
Reflecting on Ecclesiastes chapter 1, it begins with the famous verse, “vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit have we from all the toil which we toil at under the sun? One generation departs and another generation comes, but the world forever stays.”
Often, when speaking to those who are seriously ill or dying, they emphasize the importance of life’s true values over material possessions or professional success. Much of our time, even in summer, can be spent in futility and emptiness.
From 1 Corinthians chapter 3, it is advised not to rely on worldly wisdom but to seek wisdom in following God’s will, a timeless activity.
How do we gain this wisdom? Jesus instructs in John chapter 3, emphasizing the importance of seeking God in our lives.
Summer is a time for various activities, but now is the best time to prioritize seeking God and developing our relationship with Him.
This relationship should be at the top of our playlist.
Doug Cameron is a deacon with Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
