Campfire Conversations

 As long as the earth endures,
   seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night,
   shall not cease.                          Genesis 8:22
 
For me, June always marks the beginning of summer. Spring has brought us out of our winter homes, stretching our legs to get out and enjoy a little more sunshine. We see flowers bloom and nature rejuvenate around us.
 
And all of this gets more vibrant as we turn from Spring into Summer. The weeks and months ahead are sure to be filled with even longer days, more sunshine, biking, playing, swimming, eating ice cream and watermelon, enjoying fireworks, as well as the many family traditions you may have.
 
My favorite part of summer has always been spending late nights around a fire with friends and family. Sitting around and listening to the crackle of fire on wood, roasting the perfect marshmallow to make into a s’more, and talking about anything and everything were always the best nights — those nights when the moon is full and the stars are bright, when the air is cool and crisp and filled with the smell of the smoke from the firewood. I clearly remember talking to my friends about their relationships, their futures, and about God.

Summer is a time when we celebrate in the wonder of creation and the joy that sunshine brings. It is a time when we are renewed with life and energy. We remember what it is like to be adventurers.
 
After the doldrums of winter, after the rains and the grey, summer is time to celebrate the new life that we are given. Just as the earth is reborn yearly from winter into spring and summer, we are reborn in Christ. He has taken away the earthly doldrums of our sinful selves, and given us the sunshine and green grass of a life of freedom and forgiveness.

My hope is that, in this summertime, when school is out and activities reign, that we can all have time with one other – with our friends, with our families, with our peers – that allow us to be open and honest and allow us to wonder about those big questions that we have. And that we continue to look around in amazement at God’s creation and remember that just as nature is renewed, we are continuously renewed by Christ’s grace and forgiveness.
 
May this summer bring you joy, rest, and wonderment.
 
Grace and peace, 
 
Intern Pastor Carrie Smisek