Pastor Danny’s message
When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:1-3
Just last week I was driving home on Route 80 from Pennsylvania and there it was — fireworks! The fireworks our family originally hoped for were canceled due to the rain, but there it was on July 25th- my birthday of all days! There is a joy that comes from seeing so many different colors in the sky! There is a joy that comes with the weather that allows us to visit beaches, lakes, or other vacation places! There is joy in that yes fireworks in many ways were man made, but things like nature, the beautiful air, the gentle breeze, the vacation spots that we enjoy so much… they are all really gifts from God!
It is hard to believe we have reached halfway through summer and my hope and my prayer is that you are enjoying those times of pure joy. I will take a cruise for the first time this summer and it has always been on my bucket list! Already I can tell the crew that is joining me is one that is full of joy and laughter! As we have heard before “laughter is the best medicine”. We all mend in times of joy and laughter. I am reminded Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
This summer may have been a time to set the alarm clock a little later or maybe not at all! This summer continues to be a time for us to enjoy the laughter, the singing and joy as we did on Christmas in July! Summer is not over my friends and I know Bermuda is not the only place I will visit before it’s over. There are even closer places like our own states or maybe friends we have not seen in a while!
I am thankful that we are blessed with the season of summer and yes I know many of you are still working full-time, but I have heard of several trips from you in these last few weeks and I look forward to hearing more about the joy and laughter that comes with summertime! I know a few of us even used our summer for mission purposes and God blesses those times when we give of ourselves wholeheartedly. I am sure for those of us with this experience we also saw the joys and laughter that came with the mission at hand! So I encourage us… don’t rush too fast into the hustle and bustle of another school year. Taste and see the Lord is good! Remember the importance of joy, laughter, and song in this next month. For everything there is a season…let us celebrate this summer season with all the joy, laughter, and love that is possible. AMEN.
-Pastor Danny