August is often the forgotten month of the year. Nestling in the shadow of activity that was July it is often a period of rest and reflection before the busy routines and dark evenings of September herald the beginning of winter. While for many, resolutions and new beginnings are set in stone, or at least soft sand, at the end of December, those of us unlucky enough to be involved in the education system will point to the latter stages of August as the time to reorganise our lives and make promises to ourselves. Not so much a mid point in the calendar, but often the calm before the inevitable storm of a new school year, August is a time of waiting, when we suddenly realise how quickly July has passed and local shops begin to stock uniforms, stationery and other little reminders that our parallel life away from the chalkboard is about to face its demise for another year.
The month is not without its activity, however. Malaysia, Uruguay, India, Korea, Ecuador and Pakistan all gained independence in August, USA dropped atomic bombs in Japan, Ireland records several famous battles and also both traditions / cultures on the island celebrate important historical events . For students, it is the traditional time to discover exam results and make further education choices and the last Monday brings sweet relief and a long weekend to many, as the last bank holiday before the winter.
Personally, it is the time when I remember my parent's wedding anniversary and subsequently our own engagement, but apart from these significant events, I often find that one day becomes much like another as I wait for the inevitable approach of routine.
To wait, with patience, is a wonderful gift to possess. Sometimes it requires great effort to perfect it and often I am guilty of waiting with great impatience. Isaiah tells us, 'they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.' Indeed the word 'wait' is used over 150 times in the Bible so God must have thought it important to remind us that in this age of instant coffee, waiting a little longer allows us to enjoy the fuller flavours of what he has planned for us. August? - Take time out to reflect and wait for his goodness.
The month is not without its activity, however. Malaysia, Uruguay, India, Korea, Ecuador and Pakistan all gained independence in August, USA dropped atomic bombs in Japan, Ireland records several famous battles and also both traditions / cultures on the island celebrate important historical events . For students, it is the traditional time to discover exam results and make further education choices and the last Monday brings sweet relief and a long weekend to many, as the last bank holiday before the winter.
Personally, it is the time when I remember my parent's wedding anniversary and subsequently our own engagement, but apart from these significant events, I often find that one day becomes much like another as I wait for the inevitable approach of routine.
To wait, with patience, is a wonderful gift to possess. Sometimes it requires great effort to perfect it and often I am guilty of waiting with great impatience. Isaiah tells us, 'they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.' Indeed the word 'wait' is used over 150 times in the Bible so God must have thought it important to remind us that in this age of instant coffee, waiting a little longer allows us to enjoy the fuller flavours of what he has planned for us. August? - Take time out to reflect and wait for his goodness.
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