Welcome to summer!

Letter from the editor of the Redbud Hyphen

Dear Readers,

I grew up in Northern California. I loved summer there. The weather was usually beautiful with warm days and cool nights. I spent most of my time outside. We enjoyed professional baseball games, rode our bikes, went camping. It was glorious.

Now, I live in Florida where I don’t even want to step outside during the long days of summer. The heat and humidity sap all strength from my bones and my brain. People in the North succumb to seasonal affective disorder during the winter months; I think those in the South suffer its effects during the summer.

So, I wonder, how can I thrive when all my intrinsic memories tell me to be outside, but my body rebels against the heat, the bugs, and the burning asphalt of my suburban home?

First, we keep our AC in top condition! And then I surround myself with as much beauty as possible. I work from home and my office windows look out on our back yard pool and the surrounding area. I have a birdfeeder, bird bath, and hanging flowers front and center in my view. Although keeping my poor pansies hydrated in the heat when it’s not raining is a challenge, their cheerful faces greet me every day.

And if you can manage to get out of town and go to your happy place this summer, God bless you. My husband and I are heading to Cape Cod for the first time. I’m looking forward to attending a baseball game, riding bikes, and, while not camping, sleeping away from home and away from the humidity.

God has lessons for us every season. During the next 3 months, our Redbud writers will be talking about what they’re hearing from God during the summer months. It’s important to pay attention, that’s abundantly clear. So says the little budgie that stops by my bird feeder, and the squirrel that tries her hardest to break into that squirrel-proof feeder. Listen, learn, and live the abundant life wherever you might be.

Blessings as you read,

Stephanie Reeves
Editor in Chief
The Redbud Hyphen