Grief in the Summertime – Finding God’s Presence in the Rhythms of Creation

Sun shining through treetops with lens flare

For most of human history, people lived without clocks. Before the sundial gave way to watches and phones that sync us down to the second, people moved with the rhythm of nature. The rising and setting sun directed their days, and the changing seasons shaped their work and rest.

But today, we are bound by schedules, calendars, and endless to-do lists. Time pushes forward, whether we are ready or not. For a grieving mother, summer’s long days can feel especially heavy. When the world around us bursts with life—children laughing at the pool, families heading off on vacation—it can feel as though time is rushing past our sorrow, leaving us behind.

Grief in the summertime can be complicated. The warmth and brightness of the season may seem at odds with the ache we carry. Yet, when we step outside the pressure of the clock and into the gentle rhythm of God’s creation, we may find an invitation—an invitation to grieve, to rest, and to encounter His presence in new ways.

Sunrise: A Time for New Mercies

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Grief has a way of making nights feel endless. The quiet darkness can stir the deepest aches of our hearts, bringing memories of what was and longings for what will never be. But then, morning comes. The sun rises—just as it did the day before, just as it will again tomorrow.

Each sunrise is a reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning. If today feels unbearable, His faithfulness will meet you again tomorrow. As you watch the sun stretch across the sky, let it remind you that His presence goes before you. You don’t have to rush into the day; you are held in His unchanging love.

Prayer for the Morning
Lord, as this new day begins, I bring my grief to You. Help me to rest in Your mercy and to trust that I do not have to carry this sorrow alone. Thank You for the promise that each day, You will meet me again with love that never fails.

Midday: A Time for Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Summertime is often associated with activity—family outings, vacations, and an unspoken expectation to be carefree and happy. But grief doesn’t take a summer break. For the mother whose arms feel empty, the pressure to embrace the joy of the season can feel overwhelming.

Jesus offers an invitation: Come to me. There is no expectation that you must be full of energy or happiness. He welcomes you in your weariness, offering rest for your soul. In the heat of the day, when the weight of grief feels heavy, give yourself permission to pause. Find shade, breathe deeply, and let your heart rest in the One who carries you.

Prayer for Midday
Jesus, I am weary. While the world around me feels light, my heart is heavy. Help me to release the pressure to move at its pace. Let me find rest in You, knowing that You see my sorrow and hold it with tenderness.

Sunset: A Time to Release

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

As the sun lowers, the day draws to a close. Some days, this may bring relief—one more day endured. Other days, it may bring sadness—one more day further from the last time you held your baby.

But as the sky fades into evening, there is an opportunity to release. The burdens you carried today can be placed in God’s hands. The sorrow that feels too heavy to hold can be laid at His feet. He does not rush you to move past your grief, but He does invite you to entrust it to Him.

Prayer for the Evening
Lord, as this day comes to an end, I lay my grief before You. I do not understand all that You are doing, but I choose to trust that You are near. Hold my broken heart tonight, and help me to rest in Your love.

Grieving in the Rhythms of Grace

If summer feels hard this year, you are not alone. Your grief is not forgotten in the brightness of the season. Just as creation moves in rhythms—morning to evening, summer to fall—God’s grace moves through your grief. He is present in the sunrise, offering new mercies, He is present in the midday, offering rest, and He is present in the evening, offering peace.

No matter where you are in your grief, He is near. And He will hold you through every season.

With love,
Jennie

Jennie is the Executive Director for Hope Mommies. She and her husband Brian live in Washington State and have four children together— Trenton, Paige who has been in Heaven with Jesus since 2010, Mason, and Cora. If you were to knock on her front door today, you’d find her in something comfortable drinking a hot cup of tea, while trying to figure out how to balance all the things that make up a life. She enjoys spending time in God’s word, fresh flowers, board games with her kids, cooking, and evening walks in her neighborhood. She adores being a new creation in Christ and prays she reflects Him well on this earth.