Here we are in the ‘Merry month of June’ as the folksong describes it! It is the midpoint of the year. 21st June is Midsummer Day, the longest day of the year and the shortest night. As I reflected on that I stumbled across a website that listed special days of the year.
Here is a snapshot of what I found:
5th June is National Fish and Chip Day
8th June is also fish related as it is World Ocean’s Day
18th June International Picnic Day
22nd June Windrush Day.
There are many others some more frivolous than others involving Bakewell Tarts and Bingo, but also donating blood and Refugee week. Of course, the World Cup and the beginning of Wimbledon are also within this month. ‘Special days’ set aside to eat chips and donate blood. I’m exhausted just thinking about it all!
I wonder what special days and memories June holds for you. There is a sense that every day is special, every day a blessing even when it might look like every other day and you can’t wait to put on your pyjamas at bedtime. Every day is special because it is filled with potential and possibility holding within it the opportunity to deepen our relationship with God.
Sometimes this looks like rejoicing and thankfulness and sometimes it doesn’t as we wrestle with frustration and anger about why things are as they are. And that is okay! We can read in Psalm 22, “My God, my God why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I need your help?” and then in Psalm 40, “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me and he heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. he set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” The psalmists shout and rail against God almost as much as they praise him! In many ways, our frustration and even anger toward God can be just as important as our rejoicing, because it keeps us in honest conversation with him.
When we are real with God, opening our hearts in pain, confusion, sorrow, we make space for his comfort and peace. And that makes each day special. My encouragement to you this month is to come before God honestly and openly, talking to him about all that is on heart, when you are filled with so much joy you could dance, and when you are weighed down with trouble and anxiety. Remember he loves us as his children, each and every day.
God Bless
Sally