Michael’s Musings

Finding the Summer Light

What makes summer time special? What is my “summer light”?

Summer has always been my favorite part of the year. When I was younger, I would wait intently for the summer because it meant I didn’t have to go to school for a couple of months. You see, I used to act like I didn’t like school. I was “too cool” for it and didn’t want to do the work it took.

I’ve changed since then. Now, I love school. I just graduated from my masters program, and I can already tell I will deeply miss the growth and conversation that comes with it. I think I liked it when I was younger too. Maybe I just craved the pause that came with the summer months. It was a time that I had less to do. It was the time we went on many family vacations. It is when my birthday is. I had endless sleepovers and hangouts with friends. It was snow cone season!

Reading all of that together, I see that I have such find memories of summer because it was when I got to do things that I loved with people that I loved. What’s better than that?

Michael Lasater-Sizemore

As I have worked with the youth and heard them share on Youth Sunday, one of things most seem to be learning about is slowing down and being present. Their COVID experience is obviously vastly different from many, but I see this connection between what they are learning and why I have such fond memories of summer. This idea of a cycle that offers space to unwind, breathe, and simply be.

I know that this time is most likely stressful and time-consuming, but I am hoping to find what has always been my “summer light.” I hope that I can breathe slowly. I hope that I can pause to reenergize. And I hope the same for you.

May the summer light you most need be ever present in your life.

Minister of Youth and Children michael@bensonbaptist.org EXT. 26