Hot Fun in the Summertime

It appears that summer has finally decided to grace NYC with its presence. After a long season of non-stop rain, sporadic thunder storms, and chilly winds, I have finally put away the jackets and jeans and pulled out the shorts and skirts that I've been dying to wear.

I forget every winter how many people actually live in this city. The first day the sun shows its face, New Yorkers emerge from hibernation to enjoy a big brunch at a sidewalk cafe, or a game of frisbee in Central Park with friends. They are confident in the colorful, trendy summer attire they've been saving in their closets for months, just waiting for that first warm day that seemed like would never arrive. This city is alive again. The New Yorkers' demeanor has changed, we are happier, kinder to one another. We made it through a very long, hard winter, and you can feel the relief and triumph in the air.

I love walking the streets of NYC during the summer and can hardly bring myself to go underground to take the subway, so I do a lot of walking and bus riding. I want to soak up every moment I can, so I can store up for the next winter, when I will think of warmer days, and warmer people.

These new days have been spent with good friends, making priceless memories. I love Sunday afternoons in Sheep Meadow. Napping on a blanket, playing cards, and merely enjoying the company of my favorite people, describes my perfect summer scene.

Last Tuesday, several friends of mine went with me to NY Summerstage for an Explosions in the Sky concert. It was pouring down rain when we arrived which lasted through the two opening acts. The ten of us hunkered beneath a tent we made with our umbrellas, which did little to shield us from the deluge surrounding us, but we laughed hard and vowed this made the experience that much more memorable. As soon as Explosions entered the stage, the clouds parted to reveal a perfect sky. Everyone cheered.

I couldn't help but close my eyes and worship as the pure sound of guitars and drums melded together into a lilting strain that rose and fell without rest for an hour and a half. I got chills as I thought about the beauty of the Lord displayed in the musical gifts of His creation. He is the Benefactor of such gifts, and He received glory from the ten friends silently bouncing and swaying to the chords, delighting in the experience together.

Ahh, summer, welcome home...