Summer Is On The Downhill Side
It seemed like just a few bulletins ago I was welcoming summer and the fun it promised. Wait! That was just a few bulletins ago. Isn’t it amazing? No, it does not just seem like summer is a lot shorter now… it really is. Some time back, schools started taking bigger slices of the calendar (not to mention extra curricular activities) and ever since summer has been in a rush. With only ten weeks, there usually is not enough time to do all you want. So what do you do? Here are some ideas for youth and parents alike…
- Give up trying to do everything and do the most important.
- Spend time with your family. They are the ones you will have forever. Most of the other organizations you are involved with will one day be gone.
- Give God all your time. That’s right… all of it. Lay it all out before God and ask Him how to spend his time. Be sure your answer is rooted in scripture not the latest demands of the culture, and don’t mistake “church” work for the only “Christian” work. Ask, “God, this is your time, what do you want me to do with it?”.
- Remember the Sabbath. God instituted the idea for the Jews that they could not go 24/7. They needed time to rejuvenate their spirit. There had to be disciplined time in their schedule where they trusted God to take care of them (ie. getting stuff done) and they relaxed, worshipped, and rested. Also, along these lines, make sure your recreation is “recreating you” not just wearing you out further. Use 1/7th of your time for things that rejuvenate you.
- Invest your time and money in people. Possessions, accomplishments, trophies, events, etc… they will all pass away. Only one thing goes with you to Heaven; the people in your life. Lay up treasures for heaven in the hearts of others.
One writer lamented that the trouble with American culture is that we had began to worship our work, work at our play, and play at our religion. That’s not scripture, but it is a wise observation. If your schedule is out of control, maybe reordering these three things may be a good place to start.
Upcoming Events: TNT (painting for VBS) - July 17 & July 31; Mountain Home Youth Rally - Aug.3-4; Vacation Bible School - Aug. 4 *New date; End of Summer Trip to St. Louis - August 24-26
Sign up today so we know for whom to prepare, help out, and keep your ears open for other events. Thanks, Danny