Signs of The Season

​Signs of the Season
Written By Chaplain Chris Belfield
 
Well, here we are at the unofficial beginning of summer.  I say unofficial because there has been the misnomer that Memorial Day weekend begins summer.  Forgive me, but summer does not officially commence until Sunday, June 20th – which also just happens to be Father’s Day this year. However, that being said, Minnesotans do not acknowledge summer but only the two certain seasons of the year: winter and road construction.  It is for certain that road construction season has begun as the presence of orange is becoming prevalent along roadways in the form of cautionary signs and cones intruding at the most inconvenient locations.  At least it's inconvenient when I am at the same location and my otherwise trusty cellphone GPS has failed to appraise me of the delays. In addition to road construction, there is the construction of a different type – building construction.  This is good news as it signifies a returning economy with new, or updated business opportunities.  Three noteworthy items are worth mentioning.  There has been the anticipated grand opening of the Burlington Depot and Callie’s Sweet’s shop on the eastern edge of town.  A Facebook posting even showed an impressive tour inside the new business which highlighted a sparkling interior and friendly staff. Up the shore on Highway 61, in Castle Danger, the new owners of the Rustic Inn have already begun new modifications to the building to enhance your dining experience.  And finally, ground has been broken for the new Black Beach Mini-Golf Course in Silver Bay, which is anticipated to open later this summer. I am sure that there are many more local community events to be enjoyed, in addition to those mentioned here. Of course, there are other signs as well.  There is the ever-popular and free semi-annual Two Harbors RV and Boat Show, otherwise known as Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.  The traffic through towns sometimes is of almost historical proportions, but also a sure sign of a return to some semblance of normalcy. It is also a time of significant transition for high school seniors graduating.  The photo banners around town are a great way to know who these proud graduates are.  The local Dairy Queen is doing a brisk business dispensing a vast array of delights to meet the needs of ice cream aficionados.  I am partial to strawberry sundaes, almost as much as the strawberry pie at Judy’s Café, which has also been enjoying a full parking lot. In amongst all of these noteworthy and appreciated signs is one that is a little more subtle, but ppreciated.  There are fewer and fewer masking requirements.  Patience, vigilance, and practicing sound safety precautions have brought us to this way station towards the conclusion of the pandemic. To be sure – we are not at the finish line yet, but so very close that we know we will hopefully celebrate it soon. With all of the signs of the season already considered, what is left? Plenty!  Just a short preview of some of the exciting events we can look forward to including Grandma's Marathon is back and being held June 22nd. The Duluth Airshow is June 26-27 featuring the U.S. Navy aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels.  Closer to home we have our own Two Harbors Heritage Days, July 8-11, and the companion Silver Bay Days, July 9-11.  Among these notable events is the season for camping, hiking fishing, traveling throughout the area,  excursions on Lake Superior, and memories to be made with family and friends. It is also a season to take time and be thankful for what we currently have and the ability to share with others.  A shared meal. A kind word of appreciation.  A friendship rekindled after a long absence. Even just being present during difficult times, all go towards sharing the blessings that we have been allowed. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 146: 5-6    (NIV)  “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.  He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- he remains faithful forever.”
 
May you be blessed by God's word.    
 
Chris