by Kristi Muston
From a young age, summers have been busy seasons for me. During my childhood, I played soccer, traveled to my dad’s in Chicago, attended summer camp or completed a mission trip, and I even finished every summer reading challenge at my library. I have fond memories of the times I spent at either church summer camp or on a church mission trip: campfires, worship music, and long, hot nights sleeping in a cabin or church lacking air-conditioning. I remember laughter, friendship, and adventure. These summer trips would be a time of great spiritual growth for me…at least until after I got home, and the busyness of the rest of my summer would distract me from the truths I learned about God on my trips.
Now, my summer days are filled with chasing my toddler around parks, splash pads, and pools, and yet, I can find myself feeling like my high school summer self. My summer days somehow feel busier than my winter ones, and I can get to the end of the week without even realizing it. And without spending a lot of personal time with God, I can find myself feeling less refreshed than I expect to be.
The Stir’s theme this month–”let the Son shine in”–speaks to this theme by encouraging all of us to let Jesus’ peace, love, and rest shine into our lives. I’ve found that it is, unfortunately, easier for me to neglect my own prayer time with God in the bustle of summer, and my need for rest and rejuvenation sneak up on me. I can get so distracted by the nice weather and by pushing my daughter on the swing that I forget to rest in the faithfulness of God.
In this month’s issue, Melissa Meyers reflects on how summer Bible camp played a significant role in her faith story. Deb Zeldenrust shares a book review and Karen Howden shares a summer pie recipe. We also celebrate and introduce two of our newest Calvary members: Mary Springer and Katie Yager, and Jill Pearson offers a cute 4th of July painting project.
This summer, I am reminded of the importance of seeking Jesus’ light everyday: the sunny ones, stormy ones, busy ones…and all the days in between. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~John 1:4-5
Kristi Muston
Kristi Muston has lived in Rochester since 2013. She is married to Michael and mother to Sophia. After teaching English for 9 years, Kristi is now a stay-at-home mom. In her spare moments, she loves reading, running, and eating dessert. At Calvary, she co-edits The Stir blog and is involved with the worship team and Renovare.