Summertime: Reach High, Think Big, Work Hard, Have Fun

Every season comes with its own benefits and challenges, even summer. While winter can make us want to stay inside and avoid the weather, summer often feels "happy-go-lucky." We may find ourselves throwing out the schedule and approaching all things with the optimism of chance. This can be both positive and negative. Approaching life with optimism and a renewed outlook on the road ahead can be a pleasant shift in our mindset. At the same time, living outside our routine can be negative if we forget to live intentionally, particularly if we leave behind healthy habits that keep us moving forward with a life of purpose. 

As we enter this new season of the year, here are a couple of things to think about: 

One: Embrace Something New 

    a. Serve somewhere new. Is there a ministry or non-profit you've been thinking about serving, but you haven't yet made the move? "Just do it!" 

    b. Is there a "people group" you need to learn from? This would be a group that is outside your normal circles and can offer a different perspective. 

    c. Pick a place, restaurant, coffee shop, etc. and become the pastor of that place. Pray for the people who work there (Obviously, to quote Nolan Porter, "Don't be weird). 

     d. Dream about the fall. What new vision might God have for you in the coming months? Spend some time meditating and praying for new vision. Write it down -- don't just let it hang out in your head where it might get forgotten! 

Two: Stay Focused

    a. Keep a prayer list. Pray for people you already know, but also begin to add new people you meet through the summer. Begin praying for them every day. 

    b. Do some prayer walking. Everywhere you go, pray for the people there. 

    c. Think about your vision for life. What's your God-story - and how is your story linked to a God-sized vision for how you can use your time, energy, and talents? 

    d. What Scripture are you reading this summer? Is it a book of the Bible? Or maybe a devotional book by a trusted author? 

    e. Practice Sabbath. Find good rest. 

    f. Connect with your community of faith outside of Sunday morning. 

To quote the Imagination Movers (a kids' show that that helped me parent every morning while waiting on the bus), "Reach high, think big, work hard, have fun!"