Joy and Thanksgiving in June

The crocuses and tulips and lilacs have bloomed. Now the irises, lily of the valley and peonies are blooming in my yard.

The roses have buds. Springtime and summer teem with new plant life and  flowers, created by God. I have brought some inside to enjoy. 

Wednesday evening, I listened to a young adult on the World Prayer Network encourage listeners to celebrate life through the month of June. Gabrielle pointed us to a website (celebratelifemonth.com) with ideas for sharing the joy of life with others.

The website also gives some background for celebration along with Bible verses. The motivation to celebrate is connected to answered prayers. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. On February 8, 2023 a revival took place on the campus of Asbury University in Kentucky. From there revival spread to other college campuses.

We are living in a time that challenges our faith, but we can respond with praise and thanksgiving for signs of God at work in the world. 

One of the Bible verses shared is 2 Chronicles 20:21 And when he [King Jehoshaphat] had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

It is good to pause and think about the way God has blessed and guided life. I need to take time to notice God’s love in the world around me, in his word and through answered prayers.

The church, the Christian community, has been a well-spring of life. The women’s Bible studies that I have participated in over the past 22 years have been a blessing. I have learned, developed friendships and shared prayer requests. Together we have seen answers to prayer

God has blessed my husband and I with children and grandchildren. I am thankful for each one and the way they have enriched my life, our family’s life. 

I am thankful for the time that we had with our oldest son. He has passed on to eternal life, but we were blessed to have him for eight years. During Steven’s battle with leukemia, we saw God’s care for him in the midst of treatments. He was well loved. Our family was loved by Christian friends as we walked through difficult days.

We have ten grandchildren, and each one is precious. Our family celebrations are growing. This summer we are planning a family reunion that will also include aunts, uncles and cousins. We will share meals, play games, spend time at the lakeshore, go on hikes and pick berries. We will give thanks to God together.

I hope that through the month of June (and all summer) you will be celebrating life.

Update: June has also been declared Fidelity Month by Dr. Robert George, “fidelity to God, spouses and families, and our country and communities.”

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