Savor the Summer

My summer, like so many of yours, is about to officially begin, so I’ve tried to be intentional and prayerful this past week to prepare my heart, soul, strength, and mind for this coming season. I know the Lord has purpose in all things, and a summer with my family and friends is no exception. As I sought after Him, I felt, ‘Do less. Love more.’ I smile at the simplicity of that as I know He’s not just referring to our weekly commitments, but a posture of simplicity and presence. Today the word ‘savor’ came to mind as I unintentionally began to pray that we all savor our summer.

She tastes and experiences a better substance, and her shining light will not be extinguished, no matter how dark the night.

Proverbs 31:18

Savor can be defined as ‘taste (good food or drink) and enjoy it completely.’ We savor food, drink, the moment, and even people. But what I especially love about that definition is ‘enjoy it completely.’ We savor. We soak in. We slow down. We are fully present, ‘tasting each bite’ of the season.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8 NIV

We were created to savor. Jesus came to give this ‘complete enjoyment’ of life. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy as we enter into the summer – struggles, disagreements, and frustrations will still be present. Let’s chose to savor His purpose and power and all He’s doing even in the mess.

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!

John 10:10 TPT

I love Jesus’ words in John 15: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete‘ (vs 9-11).

Jesus invites us to just remain in His love. So take a deep breath, inhale, exhale, remain and savor today. Let’s savor the summer . . . and enjoy it all completely. Let’s . . .

Savor the simple – doing less and loving more

Savor the sunshine – getting outdoors and taking in the fresh air and vitamin D

Savor the silly – letting loose and laughing without restraint

Savor the swim – freely enjoying the pool and family time (and freely wearing the swimsuit)

Savor the sweets – sipping and snacking slowly and without shame

Savor the sweat – moving our bodies and taking care of our temples

Savor the souls – finding satisfaction in the who rather than the what around us

Savor scripture & the Spirit, soaking up the Son – staying connected to the Vine and remaining in His love, making our joy complete!