From Pastor Bernice

Time out for a moment ...

and I don't mean the kind of time out that parents give to punish their children's temper tantrums or misdeeds.  No, I mean take time out to stop and smell the roses, to re-kindle your spirit and rest your body.  I mean do something fun, that makes you smile or read a good book or walk along the beach or hike in the mountains.  Even here in FL summer is a time for a break from the routines of life.

But it's also a time to hit the pause button in the busyness of our lives and stop to reflect on the gift of life itself.  The days are longer and we can enjoy the sunrise or the sunset (or both).  The beach is wonderful, morning walks are warm but calorie burning. The smell after a summer rain or even the sound of the thunder during a storm is a reminder of God's presence in this Garden of Eden called Florida.

And it's a time to also stop and reflect on life itself.  I got word this week that a friend of more than three decades had died last week-end.  I was so glad that I had paused to call her on Saturday evening, probably less than 30 minutes before she died.  I had no idea that would be my last conversation with her, I just had an urge to call her and let her know I was thinking about her and praying for her.  Maybe there is someone in your life who you need to reach out to -- someone who might be in their last days or someone you just haven't spoken to in a while.  Maybe there is someone you haven't seen in church in a while -- pick up the phone and ask how they are.  Maybe there is a relative or old friend who you've been meaning to call or send a card. We can't take life for granted, nor can we take others for granted either.

Life is a blessing and summer is a testimony to life.  So enjoy and be blessed!

In Peace,

Rev. Bernice Powell Jackson
revbpjackson@yahoo.com