Our holidays are over our lives have returned to normal – school, work, meals, shopping, organising... Summer is still with us – warmth, long days, outdoors... but sometimes the wind’s bite reminds us of the change of season and the change to purple vestments alerts us to the coming of Lent.

Let’s pause to hold in our hearts the wonderful memories of this summer.... What particular joys did you have? What people or incidents do you want to remember? How did relationships deepen for you? How did you relax?

God of refreshment and relaxation, You who invite us into the wonder of summer, Give us hearts deep enough to hold the memories that will encourage us through the year. Just as squirrels prepare for when food is scarce in winter May we store memories that nourish us empower us reconcile us calm us unburden us In the days ahead.

I remember the beauty and glorious times of summer and with gratitude store them in my heart.

I remember the new things that I did, our family did our children did, this summer and with gratitude I store them in my heart.

I remember the unexpected - the visitors the lovely surprises Even the worries and the frights - and with gratitude I store them in my heart.

I remember the losses, deep sadness and the worries for myself, or my family, or my friends. I remember the love and care and concern of others and with gratitude I store these in my heart.

I remember your presence like the green and brown of the land the shape of the landscape the solidity of the hills the constancy of the soil and the feel of the weather always with us this summer and I am grateful.