Summer Fun!

Summer Fun!



Summer Fun – Jesus

A few years ago now we bought a tent on impulse. It was a bargain and we decided that we would give camping a go. Some folk thought we were mad to try camping with a young family but nothing could curb our enthusiasm!!! We went away that first summer and it rained the whole week! Everything was damp, but we loved it! The kids enjoyed the novelty of the tent, and it was just a great experience.

These days we still try to get away in the tent, and even if we’re not going away somewhere we will still put the tent up in the back garden and sleep out a few nights.
The tent has been up in the garden for about a week now and we’ve had two nights out in the tent. BBQ, campfire, the lot! I just love sitting round the campfire, for one when you’re near the fire the midges don’t come near you, and secondly it’s nice and warm. We never got as far as singing round the camp fire, but we didn’t toast a bag or two of marshmallows.

It was wonderful…11 o’clock at night, darkness had fallen, but we sat there, toasting marshmallows, still able to see because of the light from the fire, enjoying the warmth that it was giving. I could see everyone round the fire was smiling, as the light reflected of their faces.

As I sat, I was reminded that Jesus is the light of the world, but also that we should be the light of the world too, reflecting His light into this dark world. Jesus said: ‘my light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so that the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.’ (John 12:35-36)

I remember listening to a sermon some time ago where the preacher was talking about a bonfire and all the people gathered round. He said that he imagined that it was Jesus in the centre of the circle of people. He observed that those who were closest to the fire, had a light shining from their face, the faces that were a bit further from the fire were not illuminated so brightly. He concluded that if we want to be reflectors of the light of Christ then we need to be close to him.

Stay close to the light of Christ and feel the warmth of his love, repel the midges or the attacks of the devil, and reflect his light to this world. Live as children of light!

Shine, Jesus shine. Fill this land with the Fathers Glory
Blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word, Lord and let there be light!