summer is nigh...

June the first began here with a thunderstorm.  I am going to go with the symbolism of cleansing and not upheaval for the coming summer and towards that end offer today's devotion from "Day Unto Day."

"Now learn a parable of the fig-tree: when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. —Matt. xxiv. 32.

" The summer adds new and inexhaustible sources of instruction. Every leaf teems with life; the air is filled with the sounds of animated and joyous existence ; the earth abounds with proofs of divine beneficence, wisdom, and power."

"'Tis Summer, glorious Summer!
Look to the glad green earth,
How from her grateful bosom
The herb and flower spring forth.
These are her rich thanksgivings,
Their incense floats above.
Father, what may we offer?
Thy chosen flower is love."

"As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.—Isa. lxi. 11."

Blessings