Living the Dash

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s officially too hot for real pants.

We’ve entered that glorious Southern season where the sidewalk could fry an egg, your hair has given up trying to behave, and flip-flops have become your footwear of choice. And me? I’m barefoot, sweating like the glass of sweet tea on the porch rail, and praising Jesus anyhow.

Because even when I’m burnin’ up, I’m still blessed.

I used to think I had to be polished and put together to be in God’s presence – Bible highlighted, house clean, heart steady. God’s not waiting for me to be polished. He’s perfectly fine meeting me in my ponytail, sweat and all.

Turns out, even crunchy grass and cracked sidewalks can be sacred when you’re walking with Jesus.

☀️The Summer Lesson ☀️

You don’t have to pack a suitcase or have a change of scenery to find peace – you just need to know Who’s walking with you. Sometimes holy rest looks like a plastic chair in the yard and a cup of sweet tea sweating beside you. God’s not waiting for your ducks to be in a row – He’s happy to meet you while they’re waddling all over the yard.

He’s there in the giggles, in the shade, in the hum of the fan and the squeals of kids running through the sprinklers. And He’s especially present when you finally stop long enough to feel the breeze and whisper, “Thank You, Lord.”

And can we talk about social media for a minute?

It’s easy to scroll throgh Instagram or Facebook and feel like you’re the only one not sipping mocktails on a balcony in Maui. Everyone else seems to be living their best life – beach waves, resort views, matching swimsuits, and zero humidity frizz in sight.

But you know what that is?
A highlight reel.
You’re not seeing the toddler meltdown before the photo, the credit card balance after the booking, or the couple who argued all morning before posting that smiling selfie.

Don’t let someone else’s sunshine steal yours. Your porch or backyard matters. Your quiet moments matter. That frozen pizza dinner and Dollar General patio chair moment can still be sacred if Jesus is in it.

So this summer, let yourself slow down.
* Let your hair frizz.
* Let your feet be bare.
* Let your soul rest in the One who made the sun – and who still holds you in the middle of the burnouts and bug bites.

Lord, thank You for being my sun and shield – even when I’m hot, tired, and hanging on by a thread. Teach me to rest, to laugh, and to feel Your presence in the everyday heat of life. Amen.