Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? – 2 Peter 3:11, 12
Now that it truly feels like summer here in Central Illinois, I’m eagerly anticipating all the seasonal activities we enjoy as a family – exercising outside in the cool mornings, eating meals on our deck, gathering in the evenings to listen to music on the front porch, playing board games, taking day trips, and – at long last – enjoying a vacation near the Great Lakes.
Before our down time together always comes work, though. A house in need of updating and renovating, a passion for gardening, and 4-H projects to complete ensure that we will always have plenty to keep us busy. One day blends into the next, and items on our to-do lists are steadily crossed off.
It is a growing season, a time of fast-forwarded productivity, and it’s my favorite time of year.
During the long winter months, I dream of things like fireflies in the twilight fields, the smell of the roses that grow by my front porch, the taste of seasonal strawberries, and the satisfying feeling of tired muscles and a job well done.
Reading 2 Peter this morning, I was reminded that our entire life on earth is a time of anticipating and preparing for a glorious new season.
Having so much to look forward to – the coming of our beloved Savior, followed by an eternity enjoying a new heaven and new earth – should encourage us to continue the work of the Christian life, here and now.
Knowing that we are passing through this life on the way to our final destination, we can press on for another day.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. – 1 Peter 2:11
We can submit to the Holy Spirit’s control of our lives.
We can love more perfectly.
We can maintain our joy in difficult circumstances, knowing that a new season lies just beyond the horizon.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. – John 14:3
What summer activities are you looking forward to? Do you ever feel like a “stranger and pilgrim” in this life? What are you looking forward to most about life in a new heaven and new earth? I always enjoy your comments.
My Way Home 
When I think of heaven, I think of truly going home. When I think of home and summer, I keep going more than 50 years in the past, to a gently sloped front yard with a hickory tree and a swing, and a blanket spread in the soft grass. There sits my grandmother, welcoming young ones to a spot in which we would be safe, secure and loved.
I can’t help thinking that, somewhere in heaven, she awaits, sitting in a swing under a hickory tree, blanket spread and ready. In one form or another, that’s what is waiting for us all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mike, thanks so much for sharing the memory of your grandmother. I had a sweet, godly grandmother of whom I have many cherished memories as well, and I look forward to seeing her again one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This world is such a strange place, I often do feel like a stranger. So grateful this is only a shadow.
I’ve been working on my container garden on the balcony. 🙂 Reading about your summer activities was lovely!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, T.R. Do you favor veggies, flowers, or both? I have patio tomatoes and herbs in containers for the first time this year, and we sprinkled in a few zinnia seeds among them which are also growing. It has been such a pleasure to watch them grow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have more veggies currently but I am attempting some flowers. Cucumers, greeh beans, radishes, tomatoes, and peppers. I tried some herbs this year and they failed (lavender and chamomile). Also trying to get some bunch onions to grow, not having successful so far. I’ve been sharing my container garden journey on my second blog and tomorrow I have a post about how the container garden for 2020 began and some issues I had.
The weather man 🙈🙈🙈
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll check it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here is the newest post 🙂 no pressure!!
https://peekingfrombeneaththerock.wordpress.com/2020/06/10/better-prepared-this-year-container-garden-2020-1/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Read and commented. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your plants sound lovely!! It is so satisfying to watch seeds grow!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person