It seems the older I get, the faster time seems to fly by. I guess that's why I find it more and more important to slow down and take time to both appreciate God's wonderful goodness in my life as well as listen for what God is asking of me. Back a number of years ago, there were many things in my life that claimed time and effort. Raising kids can really stretch your personal time pretty thin; drive them here, be sure to make the baseball game, don't forget the ski club. Between all those moments, there was a house to take care of, vacations to be planned and carried out, and work to form a new congregation with new programs and building projects.

Only in the last few years, have I discovered the great joy in slowing down.  How vital it is to find time to enjoy life and to give thanks for all the beauty and joy that can be found day in and day out.  It is amazing how much you miss when life is going a thousand miles an hour.

You see, I think our life is a lot like the seasons we experience every year.  Summer is a time to slow down, to relax, to enjoy day to day life. Yes, I know we have vacation plans, and for many of you, the kids are a full-time distraction now that school is out.  Yet, isn't it also a time to find renewal, to experience anew the great joys of life, the glory of a sunflower, the lightning bugs flying in the night, the beauty of a butterfly? Is God inviting you to take some time this summer to enjoy life and grow closer to the God who has created not only this wonderful world we live in, but the very life we enjoy?  Slow down and smell the roses.  And don't ever feel you need to apologize for doing so.  Those roses are God's gift to you.