A SUMMER REFLECTION By Darlene McGovern

I love the summer! It comes with so much joy but also some challenges. One challenge is to neglect my prayer time. Our grandson doesn’t have school in the summer. He is either in camp or “camp grandma and grandpa.” He certainly keeps us busy. It’s such a joy, but it’s also a challenge. We are either taking him to camp in the morning or entertaining him during the day. My challenge is to get my prayer time in. God doesn’t take a break during the summer and neither should I!

The good news is that I can pray anywhere. God is always with me.

When I take a walk, I can imagine Jesus walking beside me. I can have a conversation with Jesus, my friend.

When I am sitting outside at night, I can look at the dark sky with its sparkling stars and think about how vast is the universe that He made for us. He made the stars in the sky and He has names for them, just as He has called each of us by name.

I can do patio prayers. As I sit in my backyard or patio, I can relax and just listen to God. As I drink my cool drink, I can think about how our God refreshes and strengthens me.

I can do Gardening with God. As I work the soil, I can work out my problems with my Counselor, God. As I weed and remove old blooms, I can ask God to help me remove the things that need to be removed from my life so I can become stronger in my relationship with Him.

There are so many opportunities to pray especially in the summer when there are less structured meetings. I will make a conscious effort to praise God for all the blessing He has bestowed on me, most especially my family and my 3 grandsons. I am also grateful for my Cursillo Community who walks this journey of faith with me.

I will remember this phrase that I learned:

THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR PRESENCE

How will you pray this summer? Enjoy!