Life used to be a constant countdown to summer. I grew up in Orlando, Florida, so it pretty much always felt like summer, but there was nothing like being on summer break. As a working adult, I feel like I have a bit of the summer blues (if that’s an actual thing). My heart still skips a beat when summer is approaching, and my head has to remind me that in this chapter of life, I’m not free as a bird during the summer months. As we experienced the longest day of the year this week, I have to ask, what are you doing with the time you’ve got this summer?
Some of you may find yourself with kids around the house, endless camps, weeks of VBS, swim lessons, and vacations. You may have too many things on your calendar, and it can be really challenging to find a summer rhythm and take time for Sabbath. What is Sabbath? It’s rest. It’s allowing ourselves time to recharge and intentionally spend time with God.
When I was growing up, my mom had me and my two brothers make a list of things we wanted to do during the summer, and we would check them off the list. One of my favorite adventures was to the downtown library. Their entire basement was full of children’s books, and I’m pretty sure I checked out every “Baby-Sitters Club” book that they owned. Moments like that was my mom’s way of teaching us the importance of down time and rest during the summer. We had to spend time reading each week, and now as adults, we all love to read!
When I was young, you got ready for a trip by packing your rolls of film and your fanny pack, and heading out for a great adventure. We used to be able to disconnect when we traveled. We played endless hours of car games, colored pictures, and drove each other crazy in the back of the van. When my dad left work for vacation, he didn’t have the ability to easily check email from the road, so he was present right there with us. Don’t get me wrong—I love technology. But, what have we lost because our lives are so interactive through our cell phones and iPads? What would it look like for us to set those things aside and spend uninterrupted time with the people we love the most?
A couple of years ago, I went on a 4th of July trip with some of my family to a friend’s cabin in North Carolina. What I didn’t realize is that there was no cell phone reception, no TV, and no internet at this cabin. I legitimately felt like I was losing my mind for the first 24 hours, but after that, I can’t tell you how much I loved it. We made pies, put together puzzles, went fishing, and read books. We all had some of the best conversations, and I am confident that it would not have been the same had we all had phone service. Isn’t that crazy?
That trip felt like Sabbath to me because we rested from everything that usually keeps me so busy.
Whether you’re single or married, kids or no kids, or an empty nester, how can you spend some intentional time resting this summer?
What are the activities that recharge your batteries?
Have you made time for your personal time with God each day?
Who are some women you’ve wanted to spend time with, but haven’t made the time to get together? What change can you make to your plans to make sure you’re intentional with those you’re around?
What would happen if you took a break from telling the whole world about your family’s vacation, and instead, spent that time talking to your family about it?
As you navigate the busyness of summer, don’t forget to take regular time for Sabbath. It’s part of us being healthy in every area of our lives, so it’s necessary and needed. What does Sabbath look like for you this summer?
When Mary Margaret isn’t coordinating leadership events for women or hosting the {MARKED} podcast, you can find her watching Florida Gator football, cooking with friends, or reading a good book. She loves teaching God’s Word, Mexican food, a good pair of jeans, and calling Nashville home. Follow her on Twitter: @marymargaretc.