Summertime and Vacation Time

Warm weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to summertime.  When we think of summer, most of us think of these things, as well as vacation – whether we travel away to some distant place or stay at home.  When we think of vacation we may also think of resting, relaxing, exploring, or participating in some adventuresome activity.

To be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be refreshed.  This is important for our lives because each one of us needs rest and refreshment.  But sometimes our “vacation time” or “summer time” attitude keeps us away from God.  We find ourselves participating in lots of activities but forgetting about the usual disciplines of the Christian life that keep us in touch with God.  As a result we draw apart from God rather than coming closer to Him.

If this mind-set becomes a part of our life in the summer time, we will find that we may be refreshed physically, but we will also discover that our spirit begins to dry up.  That is why we need to rest in God.  The Psalmist said, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

That means that we can rest at the same time that we stay in close contact with God.  As you and I enjoy this special time of the year, let’s make sure that we don’t forget God.  During the month of July we have celebrate Independence Day.  So, as we rest in God, let’s also remember to praise God for the freedom that we enjoy in our great country.