Why couldn’t you slow down summer?
I heard the song playing on the radio and had to agree just a bit. Even though summer can be a bit quieter at the shop (I think largely due to the hot weather), work on other levels hasn’t slowed at all.
And that got me to thinking how I needed to be more intentional with my time. Yes, I need to be sure to get my work done, but I also want to enjoy these warm sunny days and make the most of them!
Curve Balls
This summer has thrown a few curve balls I didn’t see coming. Situations I have never found myself in before. But I know God isn’t surprised, so I’ve determined to have my best response and navigate these times to the best of my ability.
Through it all, I’ve discovered things I had forgotten, dreams I had tucked away, and also areas I really need to work on. And what better time to discover these things than summer? (But let’s be real, any time is a good time to work on becoming your best self!)
These curveballs have made me question a lot of things, but not in a way that suggests defeat. But rather I question ways I can improve and do better and get out of my own way. I truly believe God works all things for my good so even though these roads are unknown and difficult, I want to make a renewed effort to navigate them gracefully and well!
Talking with God
Summer days are special to me because they are long. After work I can head to the river or to the beach. I love the water, just to walk, soak it in and listen to it. It brings me peace and I can clear my head. Fresh inspiration seems to present itself and I become aware of things of which I need to let go. Come winter the days will be shorter and I won’t have these same opportunities, but I’m looking forward to discovering new ones! And it helps me appreciate these all the more and reminds me to make time for them.
I truly believe in these times God talks to me. Not in an audible way, but rather He directs my thinking and helps me make sense of things that I was unsure of. I’ve been asked how I know it is Him, and that is a valid question. All I can say is He gives me a strong inclination of what I need to do, often I am reminded of Scripture that applies to my questions.
But let me be honest and add, sometimes I don’t know what to do. I share my concerns with Him and ponder what He would have me to do, only to come away with no clear direction. But He knows what He has planned for me and in these moments of quiet and uncertainty I know that I can simply wait on Him. He will make it clear to me when the time is right.
Don’t Let it Slip Away
Growing a relationship with God will look different for you than for me, but the important thing is that you do so. Every area of your life is impacted by this relationship! You must put in the time and the effort to grow it. Even if you already go to church, learn to grow it on your own too. Read the Bible, memorize His words, apply them to your life. Ask His advice on every area of your life and then follow His lead!
Don’t let this summer – or any other season – slip away without intentionally pursuing a relationship with God. This is such a precious gift and we each have an important role to play for Him! Without Him we are nothing but with Him all things are possible!
Perhaps it’s not so much summer than needs to slow down, but myself. “Slow down summer” is a good reminder to me to make time for intentional pauses so I can make sure I am my best for God and those He has called me to serve.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/