Warmer weather and longer days provide more types of caring opportunities

It is still spring, but summer is coming.

I love working in my backyard.

"Summer, wrote A.W. Tozer, is 'the period of full power when life multiplies, and it is hard to believe it can ever end.'"

(As quoted by Ted Olsen in the 2019, June issue of Christianity Today, p. 24).

The comfort of warmer temperatures and longer days invites us outside for lawn work, dinner on the picnic table and fun activities. Fun seems to come easier and there is much to be happy about.

Here are a five caring ideas from Olsen's article in Christianity Today. And I added a few comments of my own. His word are italicized. Mine are not.

1. It is much easier to start or rekindle a habit of morning prayer when awakened by songbirds and early sunlight. Maybe you want to make it a prayer walk and pray for your neighbors or focus on an individual, family or group of people who are suffering with extraordinary circumstances.

2. Maybe you love the summer grilling season. Pull your portable grill to the front yard some Friday evening and invite passing neighbors to enjoy some free hot dogs or burgers. Or are you too introverted for that kind of project? Invite that one family you've wanted to know better for an informal backyard barbecue. Or invite the lonely person going through divorce, widowhood or the new family that just moved into the neighborhood and doesn't know anyone yet.

3. Maybe you enjoy gardening. A community garden can be fun, or you can share the benefits of your "green-thumb" so neighbors can enjoy home-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and more.

4. So many of us give a passing thought to attending a church service while we're on a family road trip.Google a local congregation with service times as vigorously as you Google out motel rooms. Don't do it because you are obliged to attend church on a Sunday but because you are related to those people through faith. Plan to say an encouraging word or blessing from your heart or from your home church.

5. I'm thinking of going to a ball game this summer. Please, Lord, show me someone who is lonely to invite along. Go Rockies!!! Go Braves!!! Go Guardians!!! Go whoever your favorite team is!

Care can fit with what we like, close to home and far way. It can be a special project or part of our everyday routine or both. Opportunities abound. Noticing them and taking advantage of them helps us provide the best care.