Across the Pastor’s Desk by Sean Forde

Sean Forde is the associate pastor at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

Most people work fifty weeks a year just to have two weeks of summer vacation. This is when we go on our summer adventures to explore and see new places or to revisit familiar ones.  We get into the activities we miss during the work year, so we golf more, bike more, hike more and fish more.  Summer vacation is a time to meet new people and make new friends; it’s a time to try new foods and restaurants; and find new ways to relax. We cram all our living into two fun-filled summer weeks.

The good news is that as we enjoy our summer vacations Jesus is with us wherever we go. He calls us to enjoy the adventures of life, to venture out to see new places knowing that He is with us always. So whether we are at a concert, swimming at the pool, or engaged in our activities Jesus is there. He calls us to make a friend, be a friend and lead a friend to Christ. As we enjoy new foods and fellowship opportunities, we are reminded that Jesus is the “bread of life.” And most importantly He teaches us how to relax through prayer and reading “the good book.”  Summertime is a time for Jesus to see us at play. Let us rejoice knowing that Jesus is with us wherever we go.