Our holidays are overour lives have returned to normal –

school, work, meals, shopping, organising...Summer is still with us –

warmth, long days, outdoors...

but sometimes the wind’s bite

reminds us of the change of seasonand the change to purple vestments

alerts us to the coming of Lent.

Let’s pause to hold in our heartsthe wonderful memories of this

summer....

What particular joys did you have?What people or incidents do you want to

remember?How did relationships deepen for you?

How did you relax?

God of refreshment and relaxation,You who invite us into the wonder of summer,Give us hearts deep enough to hold the memories that will encourage us through the year.Just as squirrels prepare for when food is scarce in winter May we store memories that

nourish usempower usreconcile uscalm usunburden usIn the days ahead.

I remember the beauty and glorious times of summer

and with gratitude store them in my heart.

I remember the new things that I did,our family did

our children did, this summer

and with gratitude I store them in my heart.

I remember the unexpected -the visitors

the lovely surprisesEven the worries and the frights -

and with gratitude I store them in my heart.

I remember the losses, deep sadness and the worries for myself, or my family, or my friends.

I remember the love and care and concern of othersand with gratitude I store these in my heart.

I remember your presence like the green and brown of the land the shape of the landscapethe solidity of the hillsthe constancy of the soiland the feel of the weather

always with us this summerand I am grateful.