Rector's Ramblings

By the Rev. Jim Stewart

     Even though we have a lot of summer left I always feel a little sad when the summer solstice has gone by.  This is the time of the year when the sun has peaked and our days start to get shorter.  This day was June 20th with the longest day and the shortest night for 2025.  The winter solstice is on December 21st with the opposite happening.

     I was blessed to live in Cheyenne for a time and met a lot of great people.  One such person would always hold a get together on the winter solstice to celebrate the coming year with Jesus Christ. 

     It was her belief and one that I think about every year that represents our faith as Episcopalians.  You see we celebrate John the Baptist this year on June 24th and we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas eve, December 24th and Christmas day, December 25th.  For my friend, she believed it represented a time when John the Baptist was strongest in the summer, then began his decrease and Jesus began to grow in December.  

     Her theory was that John must become smaller as Jesus increased, so that is why the year is like this for her.  Not a lot of proof to this theory, but it is always nice to think about Christ in all our daily lives and events.

     Summer is a time we slow down as a church do to all the vacations and summer activities, however for me it is a time I get to love going through the Bible and growing in knowledge and hopefully wisdom.  A time to sit on that mountain that God has given us and to admire His creation.  Maybe even a time to just listen quietly for God’s voice.  That voice can come from anywhere.  This year it is coming through my grandchildren.  Just to hear their thoughts and listen to their excitement for their futures and to see the similarities to when I was that age.

     Slow down, contemplate on what you have and give to each other, listen and give thanks to God. 

Have a wonderful REST, of your summer.

                                                                                                            Peace, Jim