Summer

Like most people, I have some wonderful memories that took place during the summer of my childhood and teenage years. What is it about this season that makes some of us nostalgic? Simply listen to some of our top billboard pop music of the past, and you will be reminded of the rose-colored glasses we often wear when reflecting upon this season. Bryan Adams got his first real six-string in the Summer of '69, Garth Brooks went to work for an older woman and found himself in a steamy affair during That Summer, in 1983 Bananarama sang about a Cruel Summer that made quite an impression on them, and who could forget the Summer Nights that Danny and Sandy sang about together in Grease?

If I left your favorite summer song out, I apologize, but I think those are sufficient to prove my point: whether good or bad, summer seems to evoke quite a bit of memories and reflection when we look back at our life. Some of my favorite summer memories include the time I spent at church camp as a teenager. The East Texas Baptist Encampment was not your most top notch facility, and the week of camp I attended was not put on by a professional company that specialized in creating packaged experiences for youth groups. It was a simple, but dedicated week, put on by area youth workers (many whom were part time and volunteers) in the Golden Triangle Baptist Association.

These memories always prompt me to say a prayer for those kids and youth I know will be going to camp in the summer. As I get older, summer is still a special time, but not for the same reasons. I don't look forward to spending everyday in a swimming pool, playing with my best friend all day, or even going to church camp. Other than having more time with my wife, who is a teacher, there is not much I anticipate out of summer anymore, but it still proves to be a special time. Perhaps part of the fun now, is seeing others experience and make some of those same memories I did during this time. What do you think?

Is summer a special time for you? What kind of memories do you cherish from this season in your life? What is it that you still enjoy about summer, now that those memories are in the past?