Summer is here; it’s all but official. The last day of school is this Saturday, but Greenbrier’s High School graduation was Tuesday night, and Wednesday night was the last night of our children’s activities until the Fall. Soon families will be pulling out of the driveway for vacation, yard work will become routine, and vegetables will start proliferating. Youth camp and VBS will be here before we know it. (Seriously, Youth Camp starts this Sunday night!)
This is a natural time of transition, and our schedules often feel it. Not being in the same routine can lead us to neglect certain things, whether through excessive busyness or unexpected laziness. However, we would do well to redeem this time by proactively seeking the most important things for God’s glory. Here are some tips to make the most of your summer.
1. Pick a time and place to read God’s Word and pray.
We are creatures of habit, so we need structure to thrive. Slotting our time with the Lord at the same time each day makes us more certain to follow through than if it’s scattered at different times each day. For the summer, try having your quiet time at a particular time each day and in a particular place—on the patio, at your kitchen table, in a recliner, at your desk, etc. This will also ensure with greater probability that you will be consistent. Your time with God is more valuable and essential to your joy than you realize; make it a priority.
2. Serve someone else in a creative way.
Serving others has a way of bringing fresh air deep into your spiritual lungs. We have several opportunities for you to be involved in serving others this summer—Youth Camp (May 26-30), VBS (June 9-13), the Dorcas Room (1st Saturday and 3rd Thursday each month), Men’s Ministry Event (July 9), as well as others as they arise. These are great to be involved in, but I would also encourage you to do something simple—like making dinner for your new neighbors, visiting homebound members, or writing encouraging notes to police officers and firemen. Be creative in your service of others.
3. Read a book.
It is a necessity for a believer to read God’s word on a regular basis. But reading other books on various subjects—marriage, leadership, parenting, finances, missions, or Christian biography—do wonders for strengthening your faith. Ask someone for a recommendation, pick one up from the local library or our church library, or purchase one and read it over the summer.
4. Share your faith.
If you haven’t shared the gospel or your testimony of salvation to someone in a long time, the summer is a great time to. People are out and about all over the place, and you may find that you have more time to spend with people in casual conversation. Let those opportunities blossom into a loving conversation about Jesus and how His grace has changed you.
This is a natural time of transition, and our schedules often feel it. Not being in the same routine can lead us to neglect certain things, whether through excessive busyness or unexpected laziness. However, we would do well to redeem this time by proactively seeking the most important things for God’s glory. Here are some tips to make the most of your summer.
1. Pick a time and place to read God’s Word and pray.
We are creatures of habit, so we need structure to thrive. Slotting our time with the Lord at the same time each day makes us more certain to follow through than if it’s scattered at different times each day. For the summer, try having your quiet time at a particular time each day and in a particular place—on the patio, at your kitchen table, in a recliner, at your desk, etc. This will also ensure with greater probability that you will be consistent. Your time with God is more valuable and essential to your joy than you realize; make it a priority.
2. Serve someone else in a creative way.
Serving others has a way of bringing fresh air deep into your spiritual lungs. We have several opportunities for you to be involved in serving others this summer—Youth Camp (May 26-30), VBS (June 9-13), the Dorcas Room (1st Saturday and 3rd Thursday each month), Men’s Ministry Event (July 9), as well as others as they arise. These are great to be involved in, but I would also encourage you to do something simple—like making dinner for your new neighbors, visiting homebound members, or writing encouraging notes to police officers and firemen. Be creative in your service of others.
3. Read a book.
It is a necessity for a believer to read God’s word on a regular basis. But reading other books on various subjects—marriage, leadership, parenting, finances, missions, or Christian biography—do wonders for strengthening your faith. Ask someone for a recommendation, pick one up from the local library or our church library, or purchase one and read it over the summer.
4. Share your faith.
If you haven’t shared the gospel or your testimony of salvation to someone in a long time, the summer is a great time to. People are out and about all over the place, and you may find that you have more time to spend with people in casual conversation. Let those opportunities blossom into a loving conversation about Jesus and how His grace has changed you.