From my corner Summer of the Soul

from Two Hills Regional Chronicle - July 2023

From the Publisher's Desk

Hello precious readers,

Activities are on-going, the sun is shining and a warm balmy breeze drifts through the air. Ice-lollies, salads, and smoothies dominate our daily nutritional requirements. Every Canadian is soaking up the sunshine, and outdoor activities supersede anything that is needed to be done indoors. Summer is the season when everything that can be done is being done to make the most of the long, warm days and relaxing evenings.

Likewise, the soul, too, has summer seasons. Soul summers have everything going well, your health is excellent, your family is thriving, everything seems to be going well. You are content, and are in a happy place, when every challenge seems manageable and there is a solution to every issue….

But just as the summer of the year changes, so does the summer of the soul….

And now we adapt again…. Tougher moments, health issues, family drama, or irreparable pain… Oh no! Not again!

While we are in our spring, summer, autumn, or winter…gratitude, kindness, respect, empathy, love, and trusting in The Lord no matter what comes our way….these are timeless inter-seasonal traits that keep one grounded and focused. Emotions, situations, atmospheres, moments, and even people in our lives, things that are guaranteed to change, usher in various reactions that may possibly lose ones soul season, and sometimes wrap us in a blanket of despondency, darkness, and depression.

How do we run this race with diligence and faithfulness, even when our soul season is not summer?

• Trust God

• Pray even when there seems to be no words to say

• Worship and praise Him

• Read The Word

• Find a minimum of five things/ people that you are grateful to God for

• Perform a random act of kindness to someone who is not expecting it

• Show yourself some love

• Laugh!!

I pray that these little steps may provide us a few soul summer moments, even in the midst of our springs, autumns and winters.

Until our next issue, Love ya, Niri

ACROSS