Summer Peace
For me, summer is a season to explore and enjoy the gift of peace––a state of calm and deep inner knowing that all is well. This is the plane of life I most desire as I grow older. To be serene is to be accepting, to hold life, self, and other people with an open hand instead of a clenched fist, knowing my power is limited outside of God’s grace. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned (the hard way, I might add), is knowing the difference between what I can change and what I cannot.
This discipline, like a stream in a desert, refreshes my spirit when I feel dry and guides me when I feel lost or anxious. And for those times when I feel strong and sure-footed, peace enables me to explore new terrain––people and places––with the confidence that God is with me every step of the way.
I can be and I can let other people be–just as we are and thank God for the peace I feel when I live this truth.
So today I am lingering . . . hanging out . . . savoring the sweet peace of this lovely summer day and just being without an agenda of any kind.
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Ps. 84:11).
The two of us “being”’friends- so wonderful! Sending love, hugs and blessings to you today and always!
And to you the same, dear friend!
Lovely location for a lady who is lovely inside and out.
You are so sweet, Janet. Thank you.
What a beautiful view with a beautiful lady in the forground! I like your ‘ribbed top’ and I have one on as I read this that looks just like it!! Mine is pal lavender but I cannot tell for sure the color of yours.
Summer is nice and we have summer almost 12 months of the year here in Florida. We do have some “chilly weather” but no snow! smile.
Enjoy the lazy days as long as you can ~~~you deserve it.
Love with blessings, Margaret
My ribbed sweater is a pale blue. Thanks for your warm words, Margaret.
This made me peaceful just reading this and remembering that beach day with you in the photo!!
And thanks to your for my great photos. I love each one.
Thanks for these beautiful words Karen. This is my goal too:
“To be serene is to be accepting, to hold life, self, and other people with an open hand instead of a clenched fist..,”
May we keep practicing these words or at least doing are best. Thanks for your comment, Pam.
I love those days without an agenda. To just be. Ahhh, so peaceful.
God bless you, my friend!
Thanks, Sherry. I think of you when I pause to be peaceful, remembering all of our peaceful walks in your lovely neighborhood by the beach.
What a delightful photo of you enjoying peace and serenity, Karen. Thank you! Our summer has been very different with move preparations … we feel like we’ve sort of missed summer and are looking forward to less agenda after we settle in.
I know you’ll find your pace again, Carol, when you settle in and rest in your new home.
This reminded me of the words to a song I learned long ago.
“Oh, the peace that Jesus gives
Never dies; it always lives.
Like the music of a psalm,
Like a glad, eternal calm,
Is the peace that Jesus gives,
Is the peace that Jesus gives.”
There is,more to it but those words came to me as I read your piece today. Thanks for your reminder as always.
What lovely lyrics, Etta Mae. I take them in . . .