“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy day of summer…” So sang Nat King Cole In 1963. The same year as Cliff Richard (who’s amazingly 85; still sharing his Chistian Faith) sang: “We’re all going on Summer Holiday” in the film released that year, in which he drives a double-decker bus. Move over, Tom Cruise. Cliff did drive it! No CGI.
As July unfolds, it brings with it the quintessential charm of summer—those lazy afternoons under the shade of old elms, the hazy warmth that seems to wrap the world in golden hues, and the crazy bursts of laughter from children chasing kites and dreams alike… The latter (dare I say?) somewhat purple prose, mercifully, isn’t mine. It’s generated by Artificial Intelligence. I’m almost tempted to stop there. You might wish I had! But I think I need to say something a little less flowery...
Here we are, then, in July. Yes, the seventh month of 2025 already. The heart of summer, and the month of my mother’s birthday (23rd - she’d be 103) shared by my best friend from school who died in a road crash in 1971, aged 19, and is buried in St Stephen’s churchyard. We’re past the Longest Day (summer solstice) too; no prizes for spotting the first Christmas merchandise in the shops and Garden Centres!
I’m amazed that it’s 18 years, since I retired from teaching. Early. And I thought I’d struggle financially, but God has been good; I’ve “got by”. There are times when we decidedly need to take a break or call a halt to something we’ve been doing for, perhaps, many years. I’ve informed Colwich Church folk that 2025-2026 will be my last year as a Churchwarden as I’ll be on the six years’ limit, of my current stint.
Whenever I hear someone say: “There I was sat...” or “I were stood…” I want to shout: “was sitting…” or “were standing… “. Maybe I’m just pedantic. But Jesus’ ministry on earth came to an end and he, indeed, “sat down”… in heaven. His ministry on earth lasted only three years (looking back to 2022 doesn’t seem long ago, does it?) but his work was done and we read in the Gospels, “he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” [Mark 16.19] What could be more final, than to “sit down”? And not just anywhere but at the “right hand of God the Father”, affirming that Jesus has equal status to the Father within the Godhead (Hebrews 1:3, 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 7:55-56) God's right hand signifies power, authority, honour, and a place of favour. It's often used to represent God's ability to act, intervene, and bestow blessings. And he does indeed bless us.
God is not remote and inaccessible, he is equated with the “father” in Jesus’ parable (or story) who ran to greet his “Prodigal son” when he decided to come home, even though he had squandered all that his father had given him. He was still loved and welcomed. So too is anyone who simply asks Jesus into their lives… God “welcomes them… us… home.” Beginning just as we are in 2025 and extending into all eternity.
But, during his three years’ ministry, Jesus took breaks. He was, and is, fully God, but fully human too. He became tired, even falling asleep in a boat with his terrified friends as a storm brew on Lake Galilee. But Jesús acted, he quelled the alarm.
July Is associated with holidays. And the few original “Holy Days” were set aside with a break from work. And the word “recreation” becomes “re – creation.” Breaks are essential. All work and no play and all that…
Maybe you won’t be on holiday “chasing kites” as AI suggested, although I can remember (along with my brother) trying to fly box-kites on Drigg beach near Windscale (now Sellafield in Cumbria) in July 1957, just weeks before the infamous fire in one of the nuclear reactors.
The AI passage continues: This month, as the village relishes the vibrancy of the season, let us embrace its splendour. Let the gentle hum of bees in the garden and the distant melody of church bells remind us that summer is a time to slow down, to savour, and to celebrate.
AI or not…it’s good advice…so enjoy July. and the holidays. “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy day of summer…You’ll wish that summer could always be here.” And maybe you’re “going on a summer holiday… with no more worries for a week or two”… Amen to that!
In the meantime, as a 13th century English “round” goes:
Sumer is icumen in …Lhude sing cuccu! … Groweþ sed and bloweþ med
Ie.… Summer is a-coming in… Loudly sing cuckoo! … The seed grows and the meadow blooms.
I’d love to run again through the old former summery-sun buttercup meadows of my village and childhood in sandaled feet as in 1963 or even 1957, but to avoid being too "flowery”… minding the cow-pats of course! See and hear it on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMCA9nYnLWo
If you prefer a well-known hymn about summer, how about Summer suns are glowing …over land and sea… happy light is flowing… bountiful and free? See and hear on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0ToFWDr8M
Happy Summer Re-creation 2025!
William G Ives