It's summer!

Our family enjoyed a few sweet days of vacation together last weekend, driving up the central coast through San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey. I mentioned a few weeks ago that we've been reliving memories this summer. When our kids were small, we spent some very happy times in Monterey and Pacific Grove, and on this trip we revisited some of those spots: Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey (tacky, but great saltwater taffy), the home of old friends in Monterey (right on the beach!), and of course, the famous Dennis the Menace playground, where a few of us had to try the roller slide for old times' sake. Delightfully, nothing was a disappointment. Our kids are now old enough to appreciate gorgeous scenery and fresh fish dinners, and we had plenty of both.

It was also the summer solstice weekend. Although our Episcopal calendar doesn't mark the solstice, summer is certainly a season worth giving thanks for. Here's a lovely prayer that does just that, from a Jesuit collection of prayers:

Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer!

Thank you for the warmth of the sun

and the increased daylight.

Thank You for the beauty I see all around me

and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation.

Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family,

and for the more casual pace of the summer season.

Draw me closer to You this summer.

Teach me how I can pray

no matter where I am or what I am doing.

Warm my soul with the awareness of Your presence

and light my path with Your Word and Counsel.

As I enjoy Your creation, create in me

a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for You.

Amen.