Over a generation ago, Nat King Cole would immortalize these words of a care-free and relaxing spirit that many people came to identify with the summer holidays. Well, those lazy days of summer are fast slipping away, with the month of July almost over and once the school sale flyers start appearing in our mail-boxes in August, we realize just how fast those lazy days are quickly being used up. Those whose primary work season occurs in the summer would beg to differ with us, but there is a sense in which summer seems to offer us more quality leisure hours, if only because of the extended hours of sunlight and the warmer temperatures. Whether we are very busy or not, there is something of the summer that everyone enjoys and finds agreeable.

It would be sad if we didn’t take the time just to savour and cherish all that our summer days provide for us, as we learn to relax and enjoy what God provides us with over these lazy days of summer. When we can take the time, either in terms of walking in the enjoyment of nature or visiting with others, we realize the preciousness of those opportunities of connecting our experience with the greater wonder of God’s mystery present in nature and in others. Perhaps our habits of being busy and rushing on to the next activity or project may rob us of this quality of life that comes from getting into the more subdued and relaxed pace.

During this season of heightened growth, lush vegetation and beautiful seas of colour in our gardens and fields (thanks to all our rain) we are appreciative of all nature coming alive. But the appreciation that results in prayerful gratitude to God does not come to us just with a cursory and quick overview of the landscape around us. “Okay! That’s nice! What else is there to see?” as we move on too quickly to truly benefit from the stillness of God’s presence residing within.

“Be still and know that I am God” might be connected to entering the spirit of those hazy, lazy and crazy days of summer, as we learn to slow our pace down, listen and cherish the company of those around us, and generally open our eyes and ears to the wonder and mystery of God all around us in the sights and sounds of our summer season.

Enjoy these wonderful summer days, as they are precious in that they are quickly passing by. Have a wonderful day, as you experience God’s blessings.