What Summer Means to Me.

When I think of summer, the first thoughts that come to my mind when coming from the Pacific Northwest is, thank God it’s here! The typical weather report here in the Willamette Valley for about 9 months out of the year calls for rain showers almost daily, in fact, Oregonians have called it liquid sunshine for years and people even check to see if the webs in their toes are still developing. To see and feel the sunshine on your face as summer rolls in, is just fantastic, especially with the winter we had this year, with about a week worth of shoveling required around Christmas.
Summer is here, and when I think about what summer means to me personally, I can’t help but have a smile develop on my face. June is the month where my youngest was born. Her name is Alexis and she was born in 2004. She just celebrated her fifth birthday already, and she was born just before the weekend of Father’s Day that year. She and I have a special bond that I cherish as a Father.
July is one of my personal favorite months, as we celebrate the birth of our nation. What an awesome day to reflect on the sacrifice, and dedication of our forefathers, who founded this country on values squarely based on the Word of God. Blessed is the nation who calls on the Lord God. On another random note completely, I’ve always wanted to give a big hug to whoever came up with baby back ribs on the barby and strawberry shortcake.
August is a tremendous month for me personally. I married my wife on August, 23rd 1997 when I was the ripe old age of 19. Many came to me during my engagement that particular summer and couldn’t comprehend why I would be willing to risk my “childhood” to be married. Some would say to me “Nate, are you sure you want to do this now”? I’m so glad that I did because there is no doubt that was the best decision of my life! Also in August, my first child was born. It was on that first day of August that my wife woke up early, about six in the morning, to address our two Labrador puppies that were barking and waking up the neighborhood. She opened our window in our bedroom and went to exude her authority over the dogs when she said honey I just broke my water!!!
When I met my first born son, I never dreamed that I would have such an overwhelming sense of my Father’s love come over me. Elijah, as he was entering the world, had his eyes fixed on me, which just sent a wave of emotion over me. God allowed me to see, and sense, the love He had for me through the birth of my first and only son. I was so moved that I couldn’t even watch the Price is Right without tearing up for every contestant that was winning something!!! As I think and reflect about this season, I thank God that most of the best gifts that He has given to me, have come to me in this wonderful time of year called summer.