Summertime

I know, it’s technically still spring and I’m talking about summer. But it’s coming, and school will be out before you know it. To make the most of the warmer weather and the longer days, decide now how you are going to spend the summer and plan it. Here are a couple of suggestions.

• If you are going to vacation, schedule it now. Not just the dates, but what are you going to do? Where are you going? Have a family meeting to talk about it, and that way you get to enjoy the anticipation as well.

• Get outside. It’s been a long winter and a cold, wet spring, and if there ever was a summer when we need to enjoy the sun, this is that summer. So set aside a day off here and there to picnic with the family, spend the day at the zoo or the beach, or catch a few Cubs or White Sox games. Get your calendar out and plan it now. Otherwise, remember how last summer slipped by?

• Do it daily. I mean, get outside daily. Start a new habit of either riding your bike a couple of miles before or after work, running, or walking. Linda and I do all of the above and then some. If you’ve never been an outdoor person, you are missing out. Creation is a gift from God. Appreciate it and enjoy it. You’ll be amazed at what it will do for your spirits.

• Pray for your neighborhood. Linda and I like to walk the neighborhood and pray for everyone who lives in the houses that we pass. We ask God to reveal Himself to them, to protect them from the evil one, and to send someone from our church into their lives in some way to bring them the gospel. People are outside in the summer and it also gives you the chance to get to know them.

• Plan a cookout or two. This is a great witnessing tool. Invite a few neighbors and a few church friends. It’s amazing the opportunities that present themselves in outdoor gatherings.

• Help us fill spots at church. Because of vacations, weekends away, and volunteering at The Woods, our faithful ministry volunteers need help. They need the break, but our ministry keeps going and we need to fill the holes left behind when they are gone. It might be a great way to check out a few different ministries to see where you would best fit in. Reach out to your Campus Coordinator and let her know you’re available. She’ll get you plugged in.

This summer could be a time of refreshment and rejuvenation for you. Make the most of it. God has some big plans for you next fall. Let this summer be your time to get ready!