what does it take to thrive in summer? I love gardening. I love digging in the dirt and planting new flowers, both annuals and perennials. This year I’ve been expanding the gardens around our new home and we even added a flowering tree. It’s been work, but also good exercise, and the reward is having lots of colorful beauty surrounding our home. I appreciate God’s beauty in creation.
But gardens need tending, and I’ve been learning what they need to thrive. They need sunshine. Lots of sunshine. God created the light to rule the day and plants love this light. I thrive in lots of sunshine, too. It’s been fun spending time this summer at playgrounds, hiking through parks, and attending outdoor events, all the while basking in the sunshine. And as I personally enjoy all this sunshine, I never lose track of who created it. I need God’s light shining in my heart, too. I need to feel the warmth of his love poured out in his Word. I need to feel the light of his wisdom and remember his shining promises to his people, and to me. I also need to seek him in prayer continually. My soul thrives as I feel the light of his presence.
And what about you—are you thriving this summer? Are you getting plenty of God’s spiritual sunshine and refreshing living water? If you are feeling off balance and not flourishing, take time to assess. Do you need more spiritual sunshine? What does that mean to you? Do you need more of his living water? How can that happen in your life? God wants you to thrive; seek him and he will show you next steps to balance your life and thrive this summer!
By Jeannie Blocher, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Jeannie and her husband Roy Blocher founded Body & Soul® in 1981 and she currently serves as the Director of Spiritual Impact, leading a dedicated team of Instructors in creating spiritual resources for the ministry. Jeannie loves spending time with family, which now includes 9 grandchildren, spread over three states. She loves encouraging both family and Body & Soul® friends to grow in faith & fitness!
