The days of summer seem so spacious. Now there is more space filled with light in each day. There is more space for activities in the vast outdoors with spacious views to discover there. There is lush space of obvious growth in our yards and gardens and in the glorious green of the woods. The space of our June sky also seems amplified in blue and in wild, random overlays of white and gray.

 

These summer spaces, expanded and life-giving, may call us to a personal spaciousness. They may call us to find space in our days for new experiences and in our relationships for new caring. They may call us to find space in our explanations for new perspectives. I wonder if we will answer these calls?

 

Last week at Vacation Bible School we had a discussion about acting on our faith. The children gave many poignant and beautiful examples of kindness and compromise in God's name and then a little girl shared these words: "I think kids are really good at solving their problems because they keep some space in their thinking. Grown-ups aren't as good at this." And once again a child leads us...

 

Is she right? Do we keep space in our minds and hearts for the particular sort of doubt that denies our certainties, plans and definitions? Do we keep space in our minds and hearts that resists positions and judgements and allows God to join us in the process at hand? Do we keep a space of gentleness for ourselves and others?

 

May this summer be our time to keep these spaces. May we follow the season and the children and move to spacious love and growth in God. May we grown-ups get good at this too. Amen.

 

Peace, grace and openness,

Sandy