Walk in the Woods

Nik Curfman 6/26/21 Nik Curfman 6/26/21

Journal: #318 It’s Damn Hot

I’m not complaining or upset. (People who bitch about predictable weather patterns are silly.) Still, the sun slapped my face as I took out the trash moments ago. The intense heat shocked me. Thank God for air conditioning and ice. Eh? It does make getting my ten thousand steps/day a challenge. I have to get out early so I’m not stuck walking during the hottest parts of the day or backloading my evening.

Today was a searing day in Redding, California. The sun was relentless and strong and the sky was unable to produce any clouds. The heat bounced around our concrete neighborhood, delaying relief until sunset. We’ve entered the time of the year when life is controlled by summer’s weather. Tomorrow will be a copy of today. Pools and lakes are hitting peak popularity. Thankfully, the professionals say it cool a bit starting Monday, down into the low 100˚s. Believe it or not, 102 is noticeably less horrific than 112˚.

From now till mid-August will be the worst of it. It’s not so bad if the heat comes in broken waves. A few days above 100˚ is bearable if the temperature drops soon after. But, weeks of +100˚ is a killer. Cars become layered in dust and grit. I become a bit stir-crazy if I’m inside too long, and my drab apartment doesn’t help. (Ok, I am complaining a bit about the apartment. I am grateful for it and will be happy on moving day.) I wish my roommate were here.

I accept the heat of Redding. It’s part of life here in this strange corner of northern California. What I miss is people. I’m ready for new relationships and adventures. (Weather is just a thing— so long as it’s not humid.) In 11 weeks I’ll start BSSM. I know what awaits me there. For now, I want to make the most of the time I have left regardless of the temperatures.

Nik Curfman 4/13/21 Nik Curfman 4/13/21

Abstract: Summer’s Coming

What is vibrant and alive, dotted with white and violet flowers, will become brittle and a pale unattractive yellow, the lush landscape yielding to the season.

It is the a time of survival and escape,

of cool dips in the lake, river floats, and friendships with a pool.

The grasses are tall and a deep green that grow along the trail,

And soon they will wither and die under the incessant summer sun.

What is vibrant and alive, dotted with white and violet flowers, will become brittle and yellow.

the lush landscape yielding to the season.

It is the a time of survival and escape,

of cool dips in the lake, river floats, and friendships with a pool.

It’s a time to explore the mountains to my north and east,

to discover their secrets and the glories only given to travelers willing to make the hike.

Life is full of these patterns dictated by the sun, her shine and her affects,

where we go and when, the beauty we behold once we get there.

Through all of these changes, cycles, and routines,

I affirm the confession of the Letterwriter:

“I was taught, by the Holiest Spirit how to,

in times of famine or drought,

flood and growth,

with my hands full or empty,

And no matter the condition of my heart,

or my state of mind,

I will do everything through Him.

I will swim in the summer and slog through the winter,

I will sing praise when I am broken and when full.

Regardless of the season or day,

He will always be my Sun,

My rain,

and my Earth.”

Amen.

Nik Curfman 4/12/21 Nik Curfman 4/12/21

Journal: #254 Looking Forward to Summer

It’s the goodness of God for Him to redeem something as small as how I anticipate upcoming seasons of life. And if He sweats the small aspects of our lives, how much more does He care about our bodies, future relationships, and jobs. Mucho. That’s how much more. Mucho. That’s the word I give myself, and I embrace all the promises He gave me.

Later this week the temperature in Redding will rise above 90°. It will be the first ant to the picnic. Many of his friends will soon follow. For our part, we try to hang onto the last pleasant days of Spring. I’m looking forward to high temperatures and endless sun. My plans include spending as much time as I can outside- hiking, swimming, finding shade late in the day when the temperature breaks and slight breezes cool the air. The odd part is I hated summer time, until last year.

I come by my dislike of summer honestly. The summer months in Columbia, South Carolina are a swampy oppressive mess. It’s humid from sun up to sun down, and the mosquitoes are aggressive. The only respite are the afternoon thunderstorms, but only on occasion. The aftermath of a banger ranges from delightfully cooler temperatures to a sauna like affect. There’s nothing worse than a mid-morning thunderstorm followed by even more humidity. The air sticks to your lungs and completely negates the purpose of our excretory system. I spent most of those summers mowing the lawn, dusting the den, and dodging vacation bible school. I desperately tried to avoid the bugs and haze.

Into my teen years, summer became about preparing for the upcoming football season. While I loved football, I hated workouts and practice. Then into my early 20’ through my 30’s, each summer became a time of endurance. I didn’t understand I didn’t need to hate summers (even though my heart loves autumn, her colors, cool mornings, and long shadows of each afternoon.) I had to embrace what summer offers. Only took me 39 years to figure it out.

As hard as last summer was, I found myself in the Lord. I rediscovered by heart and began to write. The Lord gave me vision for my life and led me onto a new trail. It was the sweetest time in my life, and in the matter of a few months erased my hatred of June, July, and August. The shift was sudden as I now find myself looking ahead to hottest months of the year. I expect to advance in life and in the kingdom this summer, because that’s my new normal.

Thank you Lord for loving me and redeeming time and seasons. You are good.

Amen.