Dog Days of Summer

In my neck of the woods, there are a lot of sayings about the heat.

"It's hotter than blue blazes."

"I'm sweatin' like a hog."

"Turn the black inner tube over a few times in the water before jumping on."

"Move over so the seatbelt doesn't touch you."

"Eat that ice cream fast!"

"Close the door or you'll let all the cold, bought air out."

Can I get an 'Amen'?!?

It's naturally understood that the two worst months in Texas are July and August. Everyone knows you do your running around early morning and late evening, leaving the middle of the day to stay indoors as much as possible.

But, we get through it.

We're resilient like that.

September is just around the corner, and I know what that means. There will be one day when I wake up in the morning, or I'm running errands in the afternoon, and the wind suddenly picks up, shifts to the north, and a cool burst of air from some faraway mountain hits my face.

Ahhh.

I made it through another summer. Time to breath in the fresh air of coolness.

We walk through a lot of seasons like that in our own lives, right?

The 'summer-type' burn of life's situations heat up, and we can barely stand under the scorching words or situations as they unfold. Days can go by with no relief from the heat of pain or suffering. The fire of unspoken words, or words rashly spoken, burn deep within us. We wonder when the oppressive heat will let up.

Then, a cool, clear word of encouragement blows from a friend's mouth. A gentle breeze of forgiveness toward others and toward ourselves swirls around our heads and our hearts.

Ahhh...

The season of pain was just that - a season. And, now we turn our heads toward the refreshing moments of a different type of season.

We allow it in.

We breathe it in.

If your going through any type of heat today, I hope you find some cool breaths of fresh air to keep your spirits up.

Fall is just around the corner...

....and, it will be cooler than the other side of your pillow.