Since our children were very young, we have historically initiated the summer season with a week-long trip to the Jersey Shore. It was so exciting to know that we had 90 days to explore, rest, play, and rest a bit more. There is no better place to begin the season than at the beach for us. Weeks before our trip, we would bustle about the house, gathering all the things that we thought essential to launch us into our summer vacation.
The children gathered action figures, baby dolls, books, and sketch pads. Mom and Dad packed all the magazines and books that had gone unread due to our busy schedules with homeschooling, church planting, and many other personal and professional obligations. But what we anticipated more than anything was the opportunity to reconnect with God and each other.
As church planters, my husband and I lived as missionaries, not having a traditional salary that we depended on each week. We instead felt called to trust the generosity of God and His people, and we taught our children from a very young age to do the same. We taught them that every good gift comes from their heavenly Father. We remind each other that every opportunity to connect on vacation is simply an overflow of God's favor upon our lives.
Much like we sort through and put away winter clothing, perhaps it's time to put away some of the winter heaviness in our souls.
The ocean, sand, and boardwalk always offer our family great times of personal reflection and great conversations. The vast ocean with its seemingly endless horizon opens our hearts to God's infinite love and his thoughts about us "that are more numerous than all of the grains of the sand." (Psalm 139:17-18) We love to "people watch" as we walk along the boardwalk, sharing life lessons and laughing all along the way. God uses the world around us to show forth his divine qualities.
Summer offers us time and space to leave the confined spaces of our homes to begin new adventures, to explore all of the wonders of his glory. We get to open the windows and air out all that has gone stale, to live freer and lighter. We strip off layers of clothing, choosing more breathable fabric in keeping with the summer sun. We cook lighter meals that don't weigh us down as we find ourselves more physically active with various forms of athletic recreation.
Living through the last couple of years has brought a lot of heartbreak and even trauma to our lives. Loss on many levels has left us feeling grief and, at times, deep uncertainty. As we enter into this summer season, why not begin with some time of reflection and rest? Much like we sort through and put away winter clothing, perhaps it's time to put away some of the winter heaviness in our souls. The following scripture offers us an invitation to do just that.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life.
I'll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection Activity:
Prayerfully take a walk outside in nature and assess the following things in light of the scripture above…
Where in your life are you feeling tired or worn out? (Physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually)
What would it take for you to reconnect with God? (What if anything needs to change?)
Have you lost some portions of your life that you believe should be recovered?
What does "real rest" look like for you? How will you know when you have achieved rest?
Where do you need to be more gracious to yourself and others?
What factors in your life keep you from embracing the freedom you receive from your relationship with Christ?
I have given previous devotional activities to process with another sister in Christ. This time, I want you to bask in the joy of being alone in His presence. I want you to listen for God's still small voice, intimately connecting with the cry of your heart for rest.
As you begin your journey through the next 90 days of Summer, feel free to share memories of summer's past or the hopes of new adventures in the comments below!
Let this song lead you into worship, let the words wash over you as you reflect on the deep love of the deep love of God for you!
My Soul Follows Feat. Travis Greene - David & Nicole Binion
