[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Romans 12:10
The fern on my deck looks happy, and the sound of lawnmowers is a steady hum most days. My jackets are slowly making their way to the closet. I breathe deeper and stay up a little later. I’ve already managed to get a little sunburn on my neck from a long, chatty walk with a friend.
Ahhh, summer.
I’m aware, too, that I see my neighbors more. We stop for conversations in our cul-de-sac and commiserate with the number of dandelions to be pulled.
On my daily walk, I noticed that one of my neighbors had a house fire, and I wondered how they were doing.
The couple on the corner usually sit in chairs when the weather is nice, but I haven’t seen them for quite some time.
Are they okay?
And that’s when I realized that I have a lovely long summer before me to love those around me better, hopefully shining the light of Jesus into their corner of the world and making pathways for conversations deeper than dandelions.
I start to make a mental list of ways I can reach out, nothing grand or complicated, just a loving gesture that shows I really do care about them.
Sometimes, that’s all we need when life is heavy, knowing someone sees us and cares. A little summer love.
What kind, loving gestures can you show this summer that speak of Christ’s love for others?
Make a list with this download and keep it on your refrigerator. Extra blueberries in your fridge? Maybe some muffins are in order for that new mom or the mom whose kid is about to leave home.
Who do you know that needs a little summer love?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]