You probably know what I mean, don't you? It's the count to see how many days until your vacation, or until the kids are done school. The flyers and commercials invite you to BBQ's and picnics and trips to the lake and new landscape supplies and weird little gnomes for your garden.

And just as you dust off your lawn chair and relax in your backyard for a few minutes to listen to the birds and feel the warm sun on your face, you realize something else. Summer is short.

So your mind goes here  . . .

"How do I make the most of these months?" "I've got to host some BBQ's." "First, I should fix these ugly spots on the lawn. . . and plant some flowers and fix the fence. What about camp for the kids? Or should they get jobs? Where to go on vacation? Or should we stay home. . ."

And before you know it, your moment is ruined.

Let me encourage you to have a different kind of summer . . .

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases; he redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion. He satisfies my desires with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagles." (Psalm 103)

Summer is calling . . . but it won't satisfy. . . it will lack, somehow - some way. Choose to enjoy the warm weather and the leisurely moments that come with summer in a northern climate, but let God renew your soul and your strength. What will that look like for you? How can you create a moment in each day to receive what God has for you?

Here is a new resource I found:  http://www.pray-as-you-go.org.  Each mp3 is about 10 minutes. Listen while you cook dinner, or garden, or drive in the car . . . ? Check it out - maybe it can be something fresh for your summer experience of focus on God.