And on the seventh day, God rested
The Rev. Dr. Jason L. Parkin, Rector

Life continues apace during the summer months. Many of our normal activities and obligations continue unabated. There are still places to go, things to do, people to see, responsibilities to discharge. Indeed, summer doesn’t seem to bring about as much of a change as it used to when we were younger.
Christmas
 
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And yet, summer does afford many of us the chance to change things up a little bit; to be refreshed and recreated, in the real meaning of that word, by God’s renewing Spirit. Every couple of years, in these pages, I suggest a few ways to let God revive and restore each of us. Will you mind terribly if I do so again?


Here goes--

Have lunch at Louis’ Restaurant at Seal Rocks before it may have to close. The food can be so-so and the wait can be long, but who cares?

Take a walking tour of the neighborhood where you live. You’ll be surprised by what you didn’t know.

Go to the Birth of Impressionism exhibit at the deYoung. Almost like being in Paris.

Walk through the cemetery at the Presidio, and say a long, earnest prayer for those who have died serving this country.

Watch some of the World Cup, even if you’re not a huge soccer fan. Root for Cameroon, just for the fun of it.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Toy Boat. Clement Street. Ride the rocking horse. Buy a Pez dispenser. No place quite like it.

Visit either Temple EmanuEl or Congregation Sherith Israel. Or both. Ask lots of questions of the sweet and lovely docents.

Forget War and Peace. Read Pride and Prejudice instead. This goes for you too, guys. Especially you.

Frequent one of our independent movie theaters: the Balboa, the Bridge, the Vogue, the Landmark. Throw caution to the wind and get the large box of Milk Duds.

Take a seven year old to lunch. Borrow a friend’s, if necessary.

Take an 80 year old aunt to lunch. Borrow a friend’s, if necessary.

Attend the early Eucharist at the local Episcopal Church wherever you find yourself on the road. Introduce yourself to the Rector. Brag shamelessly to her about St. Mary’s. Bring me a bulletin. Go in shorts.

Visit Balmy Alley in the Mission and marvel at the murals.

Rent the 2002 Argentinean film, Valentin (not the 2001 movie Valentine). Trust me on this one.

When was the last time you read The Wind in the Willows or The Just‐So Stories or Winnie the Pooh? You’re overdue, and you know it.

Take a picnic to Stern Grove for some fabulous music.

Come to Church even when you can easily come up with seven reasons not to. Sit at least four pews away from where you normally sit. God does not take a vacation from being worthy of worship. No better way to begin the week

Grab a meal at What’s Up, Dog?, or the Presidio Bowl. Nothing wrong with a little grease every now and then.

Come to the Diocesan Confirmation on June 12 even if you don’t know any of the kids being confirmed. Support them in their journey of faith.

Start a Facebook page about Tim Lincecum’s hair. Pro or con, doesn’t matter.

Every day—at home, on vacation, walking through Muir Woods, at St. Mary’s, when putting the kids to bed—give thanks to God for all that is lovely and true and gracious and holy.

And may God renew your spirit with God’s Spirit—