“Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts was released as a single from their album of the same name (1972) and was a Top 10 hit in both The US and Canada. The repeating refrain, “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind” has always been a gentle reminder of a season that is meant to soothe a busy life.
Summer is a blessed time to rest, relax, and enjoy peaceful moments. Growing up in Quebec, on June 24th, the feast of St. John the Baptist was celebrated. For me that always marked the beginning of summer, the season that grabbed the baton from Spring in the relay of the yearly calendar. Throughout the year, it just seems that it can be a struggle to keep one foot in front of the other. Commitments, both professional and personal can be exhausting and accumulative, contributing to a low energy ebb. Summer can reconcile our bodies and our spirits. I can’t say that I have unique summer plans this year to re-energize; but, the warm days and nights of this time fill me with a joy that is different from other seasons. I watch the birds building their nests, see goslings who have been following mama and papa goose around begin to grow and mature. Butterflies flutter about quietly landing here and there displaying their natural beauty and grace. The smell of newly mown grass and hay and an evening chorus of crickets are magic moments that take me back to my childhood growing up in the country. This summer, however, will be filled with a new joy as I was watch my recently born first granddaughter Anna Lynn, experience new moments and milestones. The giggles, the smiles, the reaching out to touch and explore everything, are truly divine moments for my wife and myself. They bring us a gentle balance and peace as we see the world through her eyes and relive past memories and moments. Tantalizing smells from neighbours’ barbeques, refreshing swims and falling asleep while lazily swinging on a hammock all create an atmosphere that only summer can offer. It is truly a gift from God. Time to slow the pace, reflect on free treasures of nature and family. That will be my summer. That will be my jasmine.
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
June 24th, 2019
Feast of St John the Baptist