“Father in heaven! When the thought of thee wakes in our hearts let it not awaken like a frightened bird that flies about in dismay, but like a child waking from its sleep with a heavenly smile.” —Søren Kierkegaard

Summer is the peak of the year, for many of us. It is the season that defined the year in many older cultures, as in the expression, “many summers ago.” This is the season we have dreamt of since winter.

Long days spill into nights lit more by fireflies than stars. We spend hours outside, even cook and eat outside. The food is different—fresh peaches—cherries—blackberries—corn on the cob—produce that isn’t available in any delicious form any other time of year, even in our global food mart. These foods depend on being picked fresh and eaten right away.

Now we linger with our families, our children, our friends, doing nothing much. Watching the children grow. Last summer, my young friend wrapped her legs around me and clung to my neck in the swimming pool. Today, she swims away from me. Next year she will be diving into the pool.

When we see how fast life is spinning past us, we can only renew our efforts to live each moment to the fullest, to enjoy what truly matters in life.