Summer Time and The Living is Easy with His Blue Print

Summer Solstice arrives each year welcoming long awaited lazy days as they undulate with exciting anticipation of carnivals, picnics and pool parties. The warmth of the sun is finally finding its way back from winter’s slumber ushering in the sweet smells of honeysuckle and kettle corn that fill the air with an ambiance of familiarity. Time is passing similar to watching the sand fall from an hourglass, each grain, though slipping fast, takes just a bit longer than expected. If one were to sit and watch each particle would take a while, nonetheless, with our eyes on the moments of life, they seem to speed up at an accelerated rate. Tick tock, goes the clock, with a lyrical dance of change, creating ambivalence to time and its historical sway. Confusion hovers with our desire to rewind while continuing to soar ahead as we contemplate the beautiful circle of life.

Amidst the summer vacation are gatherings with the ever-changing shapes and faces. Regardless of the time in between meetings, or physical separation, a temperament of historical importance is maintained. The weaving of memories and stories become a natural consequence. The practice of silly antics, simply shared in the present, create a zone of comfort allowing for the condition of closeness. In these moments, the relationship just happens, thereby solidifying a warm place in our hearts. The variety of people at these traditional gatherings is so refreshing and necessary to the completeness of a true picture of wholeness. Each piece or person, takes a place in the development of the story, adding input while the imprint remains unique to the individual experience.

Each time before these events, of sharing, there is the expectancy that comes with the thought of reconnecting. Curiosity rambles in our minds thinking how will things be, will there be an awkward hello? Though we anticipate a re-acquainting period, usually normal rhythms ensue with most picking up right where they left off. This is a natural occurrence as relationship occurs on a continuum, always adding to, working through and deciphering the next phase. People and relationships are always changing; some may be just a tad taller, others have the proverbial extra couple of pounds they so desperately hoped would be gone before another swimsuit season. Some are experiencing firsts in the newness of a relationship while older faces are showing a slight deepening of the subtle lines from the year before. The oldest matriarchs are less active and the bustle of action is occurring almost in a reverent circle around them, they are included and respected for their place among the hub of family activity. Those with wisdom are far more observant of the scene as it plays out. They are the “go to,” for past remembrances when others get stuck in the sharing of the past. Even if the stories shared by the elders are changed with their recollection, others tune in waiting with baited breath, to get a glimpse of where they came from.

A relationship is a process, and it will flourish if started with a firm foundation. The building blocks will slowly be added in time, what is needed will be provided and will mature into a beautiful tapestry. When we look forward to the ups and downs already knowing through the knitting of time and experience, all things are possible if the center is solid and firmly planted in the blueprint supplied by God.

The greatest and the most selfless relationship is the one we have with our creator and Father, He is Agape love.” This is the unearned love our God has for humanity and why He gave us His son. God allowed this so He could come alongside and live in our present. Christ suffered and died for our sins, paying the debt for all of us, thereby unselfishly and sacrificially sharing Himself with us. He then rose again with a glorious resurrection, thus, His grace is supplied to our existence. His stories are our past, present, and future. He is the answer to our questions, the recollection of our history. He is the epitome of relationship. This is so beautiful, as in the gatherings of family and friends, the simplicity of relationship occurs when we give our time and attention to it. Those that come into fellowship with us become the building blocks as we build our houses in the blueprint of His word, where He provides all we need.

There is no punch list that cannot be addressed when Christ is your center, no construction crisis, is tough with Him. All things are made clear if you adhere to His master plan. There will be structures formed around you that you can observe for the placement of your blocks, however, they were constructed here on earth in this time and place and, therefore, weathered and imperfect. Nonetheless, with Christ at their center they may be helpful. Be careful to note all imperfections are allowed for the provision of change and growth, in His plan and for His purpose. Remember the greatness of relationship is that He is constant and you can do all things with His direction. Just remember to wear your hard hat when in the construction zone, this way debris can be deflected, you can always go back to the blueprint for the next step. Your building can be completed reaching always higher; there your structure will shine greatly in the distance by His grace.

There will be times when the influence of this world will spill over your blueprint, blotting the lines and confusing the boundaries, this may slow your pace, but give attention to the details and clarity will come to the surface. When misguided by the noise or the alternatives of worldly view, bias and wants, we need to clamp down and stick to the plan. Look for those in your midst with a hard hat similar to your own, their's may be slightly off kilter, but generally they want to stick to the same blueprint and together you can achieve a balance of progress toward a beautiful truth.

The next time you’re sitting on a picnic blanket amidst the rumblings of those surrounding you, just as the sun starts to set, while fireflies are dancing above your head, remember how great our God is, and how much He loves you, just the way you are. He loves your brokenness, your beauty, and your heart. Your centered heart is seen clearly in His eyes and not in the image of others. He knows you, He sees you in all circumstances and He sees you as His child made in His image. The plans He has for you are specific to your purpose. No worries if the blueprint seems a bit blurry at times, He is the one at the head of your project.

Others will make assumptions as to the placement of your next building block. They may even attempt to sway its placement and distract your focus from all that is purposeful for Him. At this moment release the hold confusion places on you, trusting that His blueprint has a clear image of the design He has created just for you. Keeping His plan in front of you at all times and referring to it often, He will guide your structural build with His Holy Spirit. His grace will be the whispers in the wind that encircle you in the storms. Eventually giving way to an understanding of His allowance for your trials. His purpose may not always seem clear unless you seek Him and give attention to His blueprint in the form of His gospel. He will be close on every build; in every rain out day, He will wait with you. He is the covering you need and the roof to your living rooms. Your heart will seek Him when among the clouds. All you need to do is move from behind the clouds, there beyond them, He will be lighting your way in a dark world.

Next time you're enjoying the lazy days of summer, while sitting amongst His landscape, take a deep breath and know that His Spirit is ready to fill you with all the strength needed to complete your build. He is your developer sitting right there beside you holding the blueprint for your view. Try hard not to get distracted, for there will be serious delays and derailments, many will have their interpretations of your plans, but they’re not the “ boss of you.” Take things with an open mind willing to reflect a light back to the blueprint of His word. Be always mindful not to get caught in the assumptions of others or the limitations of this life, for you are made of so much more.

People change, places change, but God is the master. He has planned our communities, He is constant and He is in control. He switches things up and brings about amazing twists that allow for a continuum in a relationship with Him. When we least expect His plan to make sense, it does, and we are surprised by its flow. Times such as these make it easier to understand what came before was needed to get us where we’re going. We begin to understand the why’s and how’s of life’s circle and see that He is completing a work in us. These times of progression He allows for helpful reflection for those frustrating punch lists along the way, He helps us knock them out with ease as we reflect on His teachings. When in accordance to His call, we relish the joys of His allowance of trials and praise Him, in awe of how He uses everything to bring us right where He needs for us to be, so He can use us fully for His purpose.

Summertime is a glorious time of reunion and respite, but none of the wonderful days of summer can compare to the reunion that awaits us with Christ our Glorious King. He is so worth everything and He wants to see our buildings flourish. Summer Solstice is the beginning of a season, but God is the Orchestrator of all seasons with Him at your core the living is easy as long as you stay tuned into His Blue Print.

Peace in your stages as you live4HIM