Geulah Gals

Do you wait longingly for the beautiful summer weather to arrive, like I do? Where I live, warm weather is a limited-time luxury. Until August, our outside gatherings include a backup plan in case of rain. The tradeoff is some of the most beautiful forests (including rain forests), snowcapped mountains, and water areas in this country of ours. 

When the weather begins to warm, you will find me on my deck for as many hours as I can squeeze in. I have been known to set up my desk on work-from-home days to get that much-needed recharge from being outside. Perhaps it stems from our long-ago ancestors’ time in the Garden. Our DNA cries out for restoration of the way things were before the fall. 

Romans 8:19-25 touches on this concept of all creation yearning expectantly for the great Geula (gay-oo-luh) or Final Redemption.

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now, hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Undoubtedly, each season reminds us of our Creator’s great love and mercy towards us and all of his creation if we take the time to see it. However, there is something special about summertime that sets the stage for grand experiences. Remember how it felt to be on summer break from school? There was nothing quite like it.

We have a golden opportunity (sunshine pun) to set aside some time to nurture our whole selves by participating in some meaningful outdoor activities. I have thought of a few activities that I would like to enjoy this summer. I hope they will inspire you to come up with your own ideas. 

Firepit Fellowship

Gathering around a fire with friends and family is an age-old pastime. Roasting hotdogs and making smores can be an activity all in itself. It is pretty easy these days to find Biblically clean hot dogs (even nitrate-free ones) and marshmallows. Check out January’s issue of Torah Sisters magazine for a helpful article about available marshmallows and even an easy recipe for making them yourself if you are feeling extra adventurous. 

BBQ 

Fire up the grill and invite some friends to join you. Have each guest bring something for the grill, a side dish to share, their camp chairs, and their favorite outdoor and deck-friendly game, and you have the makings of a great party.

Picnic in the Park

Enjoy a local park, or get adventurous and check out one in a different town. Whether you pack a gourmet-level picnic basket, PB&J, or grab some takeout on your way, a leisurely meal taken under the shade of a tree is soothing to the soul. Our area has free concerts and kids’ programs in the parks throughout the summer months. Check your local community websites for this information.

Nature Walk/Trail Hike

Exploring the local trails (and not-so-local ones) can be such an adventure. Take the time to observe the things around you. Move slowly. Allow yourself the time to notice the details of our Creator’s creation. It can be fun to engage in a nature-themed scavenger hunt. The difficulty of the items should consider the age group you are dealing with. Many trails are great for cycling, roller skates, and scooters. This activity offers an opportunity to teach riding etiquette to your kids.

Camping

Head out to a State Park, private campgrounds, or your own backyard! Taking time to get away from the busyness of modern conveniences by fully immersing yourself in nature is such a reset. My favorites are a coastal forest or a mountain forest near a stream. Can’t get fully ‘away’ for a trip? Do you know someone who has some acreage and would host a camping gathering? You could also consider pitching a tent in your backyard. Sleeping under the stars can be an adventure, no matter where you pitch your tent or park your camper. 

Meaningful Touches to Consider

Add a layer to your outdoor activities by incorporating any or all of these into your gathering:

Talk about Creator’s word. It can be anything from a structured study to an open floor for others to share about what they are studying. It can be fun to have folks share their favorite verse and explain why it is so special to them. Joshua 1:8 instructs us. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Sing! Simple praise songs that are easy for everyone to join in with are the best. Remember to throw in some children’s praise songs. The sillier, the better. Psalm 147:1 says Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.

Pray for one another. Don’t be shy, we are all family here. Ephesians 6:18 exhorts us. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Include time to share testimonies and praise reports. There is tremendous power when we speak about these types of things! Revelation 12:10-11 declares it to be true.

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Whatever activity you choose, focus on keeping it simple. Elaborate gatherings look great on paper but lose their luster when they have to be executed. You want to enjoy yourself, which is hard to do when you are worn out from all the preparation. Your friends and family will be blessed by your efforts when you can share the joy of the moments with them.