By Ralphine Major

May is filled with special days connecting family and friends, such as Mother’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day.  Father’s Day will take us to the week in June that summer officially starts and traditional vacations begin.  There are so many ways to celebrate that long-awaited season.

Summer brings thoughts of a cold glass of lemonade, a favorite ice cream cone, a picnic in the mountains, a neighborhood watermelon cutting, and outdoor movie nights.

Summer is a time for road trips across America to visit a national park, feel the ocean’s waves, or admire a beautiful field of flowers.  Summer is a time for Fourth of July parades and family cookouts.

Whether you celebrate summer with an extended vacation, a week-long trip, or one-day adventures—be safe, have fun, and find joy in each day.  In fact, you may enjoy the simple pleasures found in your own back yard.  God’s handiwork is all around us, especially in summer.  Spending time in God’s great outdoors can provide the perfect setting for quiet time to reflect on all the good things our Creator has given us to enjoy.  The warmth of a summer breeze, the sound of birds singing, and the smells of honeysuckle vines and freshly mown hay are some of those special memories of summer.  Enjoy all of your favorite sights and sounds this summer.  Because once a day is done, we can never live it over again.  Have a great summer!