Ella Fitzgerald sang a song by that title. You can listen to it here (or search for it online). For many years, summer was the time of year that I looked forward to the most. I remember reaching the last day of school and the feeling of reaching the summer vacation. Like another song said, “summer seemed to last forever.” There were plenty of ways to spend the day, most of which were enjoyable. Where I lived there were friends close by and we would ride bikes, explore the woods, play, or just relax. My family took a vacation almost every summer too. We explored much of the country, and I always looked forward to the trips – especially when we pulled the pop-up camper and visited national and state parks.

Summer is still a good season for families with children in school. The break from the books is a nice change of pace for the younger generation, and for parents who help with homework and transportation during the year. My family is going to travel in July and our younger two children get to visit parts of the country they haven’t seen yet. We’ll have some time to play, do some sightseeing, and relax. We will also visit my family and some friends in Ohio while we are away.

While summertime is a good time, the living might not be so easy. The change of routine can disrupt the flow and create its own issues. Travel has a cost of money and planning time and isn’t always simple. Packing a suitcase can be stressful. Being away from home can be fun, but it can be tiring. Navigating new areas can be exciting, but also complicated. Being away from school or home separates us from friends or family and the support structures we have in place.

Life, in general, is not necessarily “easy” because of many factors – in summer, and the other seasons. Complications are part of life wherever we are and whatever season it is. We face changes in our routines and disruptions in our days. There are expenses and planning that we face for all kinds of reasons. Stress is common and such a regular part of life for so many people that other labels get put on it – pressure, trauma, tension, anxiety... We navigate new circumstances and sometimes get separated from family or friends. We find ourselves tired, because each day has enough trouble of its own – to paraphrase Matthew 6:34.

God didn’t promise us an easy life. If anything, Jesus assured his disciples of tribulation, trials, and burdens. But he also assured them that he would be with them, for them, and interceding on behalf of all who trust in him. Life is not easy in summer or any other time. But life is good as we trust in the Lord. He is good and that makes the living... blessed.

Enjoy summer, and whatever season of life you are in.