Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Shelley Schurch
Sunday, June 8, 2025
I think 73° F. is just about right. That’s good summer weather, please and thank you. I’m allergic to phrases that begin with the word “heat” – such as “heat advisory” and “heat warning.”
I prefer words like “air conditioning,” “ice cubes,” and “shade.” So that’s where I was standing when I took the above photo, on June 23 of last year. Not in front of A/C, not holding a cup of ice water, but in the shade of a lovely tree that was always a welcome stop on our daily summer walks.
We would pause for a moment there, just to enjoy its cool, leafy refuge from the summer broil. I’m speaking in past tense, though, because the homeowners chopped down this tree a month or so ago. What were they thinking? We’ll have to seek shade elsewhere.
As I mused on the current heat advisory for our area, and my fondness for shade, I suddenly remembered that we can not only seek shade; we can also throw it. But I’d rather not.
Oxford Languages online dictionary defines “throw shade” as “to publicly criticize or express contempt for someone.” That sounds like the devil’s work. All through Jesus’ life on this planet – a life devoted to healing and helping, blessing and saving – the devil dogged His steps, criticizing and misrepresenting His words and actions.
I want to be a shade seeker, not a shade thrower. I’m so thankful God is a shade provider. Seek and we shall find! Over and over in the Bible He promises to shelter us and protect us. One of my favorite Bible passages of provision is Psalm 121, whose eight verses are given here in the New International Version:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains –
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip –
He who watches over you will not slumber;
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you –
The Lord is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm –
He will watch over your life;
The Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.