July 17, 2024
I don’t know why I think summers will slow down, except that it’s a lingering memory from my childhood. The hustle and bustle of school seemed overwhelming in those days, and the stretch of days without those obligations seemed absolutely blissful.
In truth, of course, my brother and I ended up spending time in our parents’ workplaces, which sometimes interested us and sometimes bored us and usually required us to create our own entertainment – something at which every parent holds their breath.
This summer certainly hasn’t slowed down. I set down one set of responsibilities as Chair of the Conference Council in June, and was given another set as Chair of the Hawai’i Island Association Committee on Ministry in July. I’m took a week off in May and I’m taking two weeks off in August, but with my family now more spread out across New England, I’ll spend quite a bit of time on the road.
Where to find rest and peace?
As always, the answer to that question is to create those spaces for myself and hold them for myself. Whether it’s a prayer time at dawn or dusk, or Bible reading at noon, or a place to visit which soothes – these are things within my power to reserve and to protect. I can make the quiet time, and regrettably I can also set it aside for some reason which, in the end, rarely is as important as renewing my heart and soul.
No, you can’t count on summer to slow things down for you. You and I, we have to carve out those times ourselves, and keep them safe, so that God may reassure our hearts.
In peace,
Pastor Eric
