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Now it came to pass that Spring turned to Summer again. God’s people raised their voices and sang together: “Recreation is my Shepherd, I shall not stay home; he maketh me to lie down in a sleeping bag; He leadeth me down the Interstate each weekend. He restoreth my suntan. He leadeth me to the State Parks, for comfort’s sake. Even though I stray over on private property, I will fear no farmer, for Thou are with me, and my rod and my reel, they comfort me. Thou and my wife reserveth a table at the campground, in the presence of latecomers; Thou anointest my outboard with oil, and my gas can overflows. Surely my boat trailer shall follow me all the weekends this summer; and I shall return to the House of the Lord this Fall.” And, lo, after the singing, a certain member spoke, saying: “Lo, the hot days come and even now are at hand. My work lieth heavy upon me. Come let us depart and go to the North Country where fish do bite and cool winds bring refreshment and pleasant scenes await.” “Thou speakest wisely,” said his wife. “Yet, two, nay even three things we must do ere we go.” “That we ask our neighbor to water our flowers and our lawn, and also have our mail forwarded,” said her husband “hut no other thin~ cometh to mind.” |
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Blessed be Summer Tithers |
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“The third is like unto the other two, but greater than all,” said his spouse, “even this, that thou dig into thy jeans and pay the church pledge, in order that the Lord’s work may be not hindered and it may be well with thee, thou has more money now than thou shall have when thou returneth.” The husband replied, “Verily, thou are noble and wise among women.” And he did pay his pledge for the summer; he seemed to enjoy his vacation all the more, and the church treasurer rejoiced exceedingly, saying “Blessed are those who remember the Scriptural teaching, ‘On the first day of the week each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper … but more blessed is he who, on the first day of vacation, gives ahead of time for all the first days of the week he will miss. I tell you truly, this faithful servant will have his name not only inscribed in the book of life, but on the church ledger as well. Praise the Lord’” And it was so! In the months ahead, don’t forget the One who has given us “the rights of summer” in the first place. And in your remembering, remember also that “on the first day of the week each of you is to put something aside and store it up, and he may prosper …” (reprinted from “The Spirit and Flame”, |
