Tami’s Meandering Thoughts

Summer Vacation! The words sound so wonderful, and truly it does bring a freer schedule and a more laid-back atmosphere to our home. However, it also means that all three children need to figure out how to play without their friends and with just each other. Generally speaking they like each other and enjoy all their activities. But, just like adults, it is difficult to spend that much constant time with just a few people. I remember last year on the first day of summer vacation contemplating the never-ending expanse of summer which loomed ahead of me and my arguing children! This year, I assume because they are older, our first day went much smoother. We played, did special chores (weeded, cleaned) and filled our wading pool with water. In fact, I would actually chalk today up as “relaxing”!

So, in the spirit of a restful summer when I am able to slow down and enjoy people and activities that often get pushed out of my winter schedule, I thought I would just write here the psalm that I read today. I am sure I read it before, but this time as I read it I actually stopped and did what it said. Sure, it took more time, but isn’t that what summer’s about? Here it is; take a moment when the kids aren’t needing you or when you’ve been working hard and need to rest, to pray through these great reminders of who our provider is:

Psalm 136:1-9, 23, 25-26

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights
His faithful love endures forever.
The sun to rule the day
His faithful love endures forever.
And the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever.
He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.

And, as our summer days pass by with expected or unexpected frustrations, choices that need to be made, and bills that need to be paid, we must remind ourselves:
His faithful love endures forever.