From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matt. 4:17

Summer is a great time of year. Long days, birds, flowers, swimming, fishing, picnics and all the rest of summer are etched in our memories from the time we were old enough to know anything. No one can deny how enjoyable it is to stretch out under a shady tree in cool shade and nap. You can’t do that during the winter.

Remember the story about the ants and the grasshopper. Mr. Hoppy played all summer and failed to prepare for the winter. There are a lot of people like that. Jesus says we are to repent because Heaven is closer than we think. What He means is life is short and like the days of summer it is gone all too soon.

There is a story about a court jester who was given a wand by the nobleman he served. "Keep this," said the nobleman, until you find a greater fool than yourself." The jester put away the wand and kept it for many years. One day the nobleman lay dying. Calling the jester to his side, he said, "I am going on a long journey." The jester asked, "Where to?" The nobleman shrugged his shoulders. "For how long?" asked the jester. "Forever," replied the nobleman weakly. "What provisions have you made for your journey?" asked the jester. "None," answered the nobleman. "Then," said the jester, "take this," and he handed the nobleman his wand. "For you are a greater fool than I."

Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He wasn’t talking so much about our days here as He was about eternity. Live every day enjoying it to the max. But, remember Heaven draws near with each passing day. Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.