End-of-Summer Reflection

Romans 90:12

St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
August 30, 2026
Rev. Juvenal Cervantes

Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

“You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” (Anonymous). While we still have three weeks of summer ahead of us (autumn begins on September 22nd), I want to invite you to reflect on God’s faithfulness during the summer.

As summer comes to an end, we naturally begin to think about where the time went. The long days, family gatherings, vacations, outdoor activities, and slower moments have passed quickly. Soon schedules will become busier, children and young people will return to school, and the rhythm of church and community life will change.

The end of summer allows us to pause and reflect. Consider these questions:

1. What has God taught you during these past few months?
2. Where did you see God's blessings?
3. Were there difficult moments when God gave you strength?
4. Who did God place in your life to encourage you?

Sometimes we remember the big events but overlook the quiet ways God has been present. God is faithful not only in our celebrations but also in ordinary days. He has been with us in the laughter of friends, conversations around the table, worship on Sunday, beautiful sunsets, unexpected blessings, and even challenging circumstances.

Psalm 90 reminds us that our days are a gift from God. We cannot hold on to yesterday, and we do not yet know what tomorrow will bring. But we can faithfully live today.

As summer ends, don't simply look back with sadness. Look back with gratitude. Then look forward with faith.

The God who was with you through the summer will be with you through the fall and every season that follows.

Here are a few other things for us to ponder:

1. What is one blessing from this summer for which you are especially thankful?
2. What lesson did God teach you?
3. Is there someone you need to thank or encourage?
4. What is one thing you want to place in God's hands as a new season begins?

As we enjoy our final summer Sunday fellowship meal today, I want to encourage you to reflect on one or more ways that you witnessed God’s faithfulness in your life.

Please remember: Summer may be ending, but God's faithfulness never does.

Let us pray: Gracious God, thank You for the gift of this summer and for every blessing we have received. Thank You for moments of joy, times of rest, friendships, family, worship, and opportunities to serve. Forgive us for the times we failed to recognize Your presence. As one season ends and another begins, teach us to use our days wisely. Give us grateful hearts for what is behind us and faithful hearts for what lies ahead. Guide our families, our church, our children and young people, and our communities. Help us walk into this new season trusting that You are always with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.