SUMMER - A TIME FOR REST
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a
time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a
time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and  a time to dance, a
time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a
time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a
time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent
and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and
a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

School is out and the lazy days of summer have begun. There are family barbecues to plan and attend, beach trips or a vacation to the lake. These are all things that are supposed to bring relaxation by design. Why then do we get so tired?  When our children were young we did a lot of camping for our summer vacations. We would plan for several months, making campsite reservations, freezing water jugs, cleaning tents, planning meals and our calendar for several different weekends. The children would decide which games to bring, how many smores they thought they could eat, and if friends were coming, which tent they would sleep in. When we first started camping there was only four of us and we loaded up all our camp gear in a Volkswagen Beetle. It was always entertaining as other campers watched in amazement as we unloaded and set up camp out of that little car. We had camp stoves, lanterns, sleeping bags, food coolers, clothes, firewood, a tent, and floor mats; everything including our version of a kitchen sink. We were really prepared and the kids had a great time (except for the pit potties). I love camping, but it’s the preparations and the cleanup at the end of the trip that would make me exhausted. However, we had such a great time that it was all worth it. Sometimes things would go wrong and friends who didn’t camp brought peculiar things that they thought would be useful, but all in all we enjoyed the adventure that each trip brought. Our children still talk about certain trips that were full of memories that can never be duplicated because they were so crazy. No surprise that they all still enjoy camping though we haven’t done so in a long time. Believe it or not we did manage to get quite a bit of relaxing in while enjoying each other’s company. We took the time for rest.
 
We often spent the evenings talking about our week or what we would like to do the rest of the summer. We used these camping trips to build team work, learn new skills, we even talked about our children’s futures and what they thought they might like to be when they were all grown up. As the children grew older they would bring friends occasionally and this just added to the merriment. These evenings were a wonderful time to reflect back over the past and to just be restored as a family. We would sometimes take college students with us and on Sunday mornings have a worship service with mini sermons. It was a great time to spend with the Lord, just listening to nature and to His voice.
 
When we take the time to reflect on the past we can then begin to look forward into the future and start planning for the next service or ministry, or even the next phase of a ministry that we are currently involved in. My point is that this time away is the perfect opportunity to seek God’s leading in whatever area of service you are in. If you are not serving ask Him, “Where can I be used?” Even children can find ways to serve Him. Start small and build from there, however take the time to rest and be restored so when you are back serving you are all you can be. Sounds hokey I know but it’s true.
 
Plan and get organized so you’re ready when God calls. By being prepared we can set the table for success in ministry. You know the old saying, "if we fail to plan we are planning to fail.” This is true in all areas of our life. In the planning stage, now that you’re rested, you can clean out all that old junk that accumulates in stacks around your life. When things are uncluttered and you’re prepared for whatever God brings your way, life feels fresh and renewed. It’s like having all the laundry washed, dried, and put away where it belongs. Job done, now you’re ready for the next. When I read on in Ecclesiastes I find comfort in the fact that everything is done in God’s perfect timing. “What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 9:13).  Even in rest we receive the gift of satisfaction from God. He intends for us to rest and reflect on Him, to look back at all He has done for us and to be happy.
 
All things in our life are intended to bring glory and honor to God whether we realize it or not. Even when or better yet, especially in times of stress or turmoil how we respond to the situation reflects on our walk with our Heavenly Father. If we have spent the time reflecting on His blessings in our life then we can build on the knowledge that He is always there for us and knows what is best in every situation. This is why it is so important to withdraw, rest and then reflect on Him.
 
So here is my challenge to you this week. Take this summer to play with your family, spend time with them reflecting on God’s blessings in your life, then ask Him where He would have you individually and corporately serve Him. As you plan for the fall, think of new ways that He may be leading you to serve outside of your comfort zone. This will most definitely be a time to grow spiritually. As you “check your pulse” this week make plans, look beyond yourself, and take time to rest.
 
Kathi Brixey
“Resting in His Timing”
 
CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA. 92352-0414