This blog was written by Tim Gocha, the Vice President of Consulting at Vanderbloemen.
When I think of summer, I think of a few sunnier, warmer months, and a time for slowing down, taking a vacation or reading a good book out on the patio. Through the years, I’ve learned that I can’t wait for the summer months to find rest for my soul. I need to practice rhythms in my life, all year long, that gives me the inner peace and joy that I long for.
“Our soul is like an inner stream of water, which gives strength, direction, and harmony to every other element of our life. When that stream is as it should be, we are constantly refreshed and exuberant in all we do, because our soul itself is then profusely rooted in the vastness of God and his Kingdom, including nature; and all else within us is enlivened and directed by that stream.” -Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart
I served in ministry for close to 30 years and I foolishly used to say that I could never “burn out” because I loved the ministry too much and it fed me instead of depleting me. Nothing was further from the truth. For all of us, it’s mission-critical to practice spiritual, emotional, and physical rhythms that feed our inner core.
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 NKJV
Here are a few thoughts for you to consider as you enjoy your summer:
1) Faithfully practice those daily spiritual disciplines that feed you and build your spiritual, and emotional muscles. Is that Bible study? Prayer? Journaling? There is freedom and joy in discovering those practices that energize you.
2) Look inward—long enough and deeply enough to discover those areas of your life that need attention. Is God speaking to you about your marriage, your family, your call to ministry, or just spending more time with Him? Don’t ignore His promptings, but practice obedience to what He is telling you …to the very last word.
3) Clear your calendar and take some dedicated time away to unplug. I know, easier said than done, right? You may not be able to take several weeks off at a time, but do take some time to refresh, clear your mind, and allow God to breathe new life into you.
4) Lean into an activity or hobby that gives you joy and energy and allows you to take a mental break from all the things that distract you. Perhaps it’s golf, running, fishing, kayaking, hiking, going to the gym, or another activity that you’ve put aside for a while.
5) Make new friends or reconnect with some old ones. Years ago, I remember John Maxwell saying in one of his messages, that there are friends that are “lifters” and those that are “leaners”. Choose the lifters. Choose those who are life-giving, not life-draining.
6) Don’t sweat the small stuff—Life is short, enjoy the journey.
In order to step away and truly rest, it is important to have the right people on your team. If we can help you further your mission by completing your team, contact us today to get started. We would love to help.
