Asbury United Methodist Church

Very soon life will pick up for us. The weather will begin to cool. Our calendars will begin to heat up. Suddenly we find that the routine becomes urgent and deadlines come in bunches. Until then I'd like to encourage us to step back and take a breath and find time to enjoy the remainder of summer.

When I think of summer I think of vacation and quick little getaways. Have you noticed how people are not attracted to urban siestas or the vast plains for renewal? No, we are attracted to trees and water and mountains. For our family, our compass points north and we spend our time on the beach, or in a boat or walking the shoreline. We never seem to get enough of the glistening, sunkissed surface of the lake and the eagles that nest there. Loons communicate in the distance over the sound of waves lapping at the beach.

All this to say that in the not so distant future the days will have grown shorter and so will our available time to reflect. Therefore, hold on to summer. Marvel at nature's expanse and beauty. Realize the gift God has provided you. Take the time to walk the beach or sit in the trees, feel the breezes of the Spirit and allow clarity to come. For in such times we know God is real and God knows us.

But one more thing. When I walk the shoreline I am aware of a God who lavishes gifts on me. On the shore or on the woodlot I am aware of God's expanse; His bigness. But when I am in worship or among the body of believers, I learn so much more about God who longs to be known. The water and woodlot may say something of God's creativity, but we will never come to understand God's amazing love for us, or His purposes for our lives, or His meaning to impart if worship is not regular and vitally important.

And so, enjoy these too few weeks remaining and I will see you very soon. I look forward to worshipping God in the coming days with you.  

Serving with you,

Pastor Marty