Summer’s 3 R’s

     
     It is a Thursday afternoon as I sit here working at the church.  We returned from our vacation in Utah and Zion National Park.  Spending time with God in His beautiful creation, relaxing and reconnecting with my husband and trying new things and meeting new people is such a great way to enjoy the wonderful life God has given us.

     Summer (or whatever season you choose to have time away from your routine) is a great time to benefit from the 3 R’s – not the ones we learned in school but the ones we learn out on the beach, in the woods or around a campfire.

     REFLECT – When we take time to look into God’s Word and meditate on His goodness, grace and mercy that we receive everyday, we can benefit from reflection.  Yes, we could spend time dwelling on the bad in our past, but when we see what God has done for us and changed in us, we can move forward for Him. Colossians 2:2-3 reminds us where we can get what we need for living life: “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

     REJUVENATE -” make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively.”  I know that after time away I feel ready to tackle the task at hand.  I have more life and vigor.  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) Even Christ sent the disciples away from the crowds so that they could “get a breather” and then be ready for the next group to whom they were to minister.  Are you too tired to help others?  Are you so bogged down with life that service to your fellow man is out of the question?  You might need to have some time to rejuvenate.

     RECALIBRATE – Have you heard an old car that needed recalibration. It needed to be to adjusted, standardized, or regulated. Do our lives need recalibrating when things have become “out of whack”.  I am thankful that we do not have to get back to where we need to be alone.  God is always there for us and ready to help when we ask Him.  Psalm 73:23-24 gives great advice for recalibrating our lives. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”  If we keep Him as our guide and let Him direct us, then we will spend more time serving, loving and giving of ourselves.  And isn’t that what we are supposed to do with our lives?

     So I hope each of you will take the time, whether on a trip or just some alone time in your quiet place, to REFLECT, REJUVENATE and RECALIBRATE.  Then we can all do more to win souls and see lives changed for Jesus.                 ~~~Michele~~~