Summer Rains

My dear one, 

The sound of the rain pelting my window on this summer evening is a soothing one, wedded perfectly with the sounds of Ola Gjeilo's Piano Improvisations. I made some decaf coffee to further accentuate the pleasure of my evening, and now all that is missing is you. (Which reminds me ... if these letters ever read too much like a mere log of events, it is only because I note those experiences I wish to be bottled up, frozen in time, waiting to be fully relished when I have you at my side.) 

I have completed my summer school teaching, so summertime is officially in full-swing. An out-of-town friend stopped by yesterday, and I made breakfast for us to enjoy together as we used to do on a weekly basis. It was so lovely to be conversing with a real person over a meal. We caught up on family happenings, books read, personal insights... The time together was too short.

Oh, if only I could sit down for a delightful chat with you! I wish I knew what is important to you - your goals, wishes, priorities...

I was thinking this afternoon about how most people seem to be wrapped up in "now." They flash their credit cards for purchases they can't wait to save up for. They shop for convenience meals or opt for drive-thru window. They elect the political figures who promise fast, easy, painless fixes to economic problems. They carry around smartphones that chirp and ding to alert them of every new email and text message. This summer I have a renewed vigor in my efforts to protest such short-sighted living, pursuing instead the simple pleasures - turning off the electronic devices to read a book (yes, a book with real pages, not just a Kindle screen)... taking a walk in the morning coolness... preparing a home-cooked dinner of fresh natural foods... inviting friends into my home... purchasing needed items with cash... pursuing extended time in God's Word... Here's hoping you can take time to do likewise throughout these long summer days, my dear one.

Praying for you! 
- Me