The “dog days of summer.”  I thought about it as I stood outside talking with someone for a while this morning.  Ever heard that term?  I imagine you have, but if not, you’re in them right now.  Hot.  Humid.  Dry.  Maybe some torrential rain.  Repeat.  Day after dog day.  But did you know there are set dates to the dog days of summer?  If you do a little research, you’ll find that this summer’s dog days run from July 3 to August 11.  And if you do a little more research, you’ll find the actual (and perhaps surprising) reason for the name “dog days” and how those dates can be set.  I’ll let you do that on your own time.  But to me, “dog days” will always mean that Middle Georgia heat and humidity that suck the energy out of us.  And the best thing about the dog days is that you know the refreshing fall season is coming to bring relief.  I guess that’s why I really love Fall.  As I thought about “dog days” this morning, it occurred to me that life has its own dog days.  The dates really aren’t set; they can show up anytime.  The duration can vary as well.  Maybe you’re there right now.  But remember this.  There is a refreshing.  It’s found in the Heavenly Father.  In Isaiah 44:3, the Lord says, “I will pour water on him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground.”  And again in Isaiah 43:19, “I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  I have a feeling that this “dog days” weather will run well beyond August 11, but I do know that Fall will come.  I also know that in the “dog days” trials I face, the refreshing grace, peace, and strength of the Father will be there for me, no matter how long they last!