The temperatures have warmed up and the rain has subsided. The prairie is green due to all of the moisture. Flowers are in bloom and a sense of calm surrounds my life. Summer is a welcome guest. A little tranquility is good to soothe the troubled soul.
The challenges of life will always be around. Illness, injury, loss of a job, a broken relationship, death of a loved one, or a myriad of other afflictions can enter our lives at any given time. The troubles of the day are sufficient without looking ahead to tomorrow. Are we able to grasp the serenity and contentment when opportunities to do so present themselves? Are we able to rest in the Lord?
The month of July tends to be my time to recuperate, regroup, and refuel for the next eleven months. I am grateful for the slower pace and I typically try to get away for at least a few days of vacation. Obviously, Cheyenne Frontier Days brings the party right to our front door at the office near the end of the month. The parade beckons us to come outside and take a look at the festivities, not just once, but twice during the workweek. How can we refuse the temptation?
July provides an opportunity to do more reading as well. I can dive into some of the many books that continue to accumulate in my office and near my nightstand at home. Preparing for another year of presentations, workshops, and retreats requires diligent study and planning. This is a task I take seriously and I prefer to utilize slower times to get a jump on these types of preparations. In the midst of it all I can prayerfully reflect upon the message I feel guided by the Holy Spirit to prepare. These are blessed moments in my life.
It is my hope that each of you have an opportunity to experience some time for relaxing during these days of summer. Let God speak to you in the process. Whether you are going on an exotic vacation, a camping trip in the woods, or simply sitting on your porch enjoying a stay-cation, invite the power and presence of God to join you. Enter into prayer during these quiet moments. Give thanks for the blessings. Ask for strength to endure the trials and tribulations. Most of all, recognize that this is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!
The challenges of life will always be around. Illness, injury, loss of a job, a broken relationship, death of a loved one, or a myriad of other afflictions can enter our lives at any given time. The troubles of the day are sufficient without looking ahead to tomorrow. Are we able to grasp the serenity and contentment when opportunities to do so present themselves? Are we able to rest in the Lord?
The month of July tends to be my time to recuperate, regroup, and refuel for the next eleven months. I am grateful for the slower pace and I typically try to get away for at least a few days of vacation. Obviously, Cheyenne Frontier Days brings the party right to our front door at the office near the end of the month. The parade beckons us to come outside and take a look at the festivities, not just once, but twice during the workweek. How can we refuse the temptation?
July provides an opportunity to do more reading as well. I can dive into some of the many books that continue to accumulate in my office and near my nightstand at home. Preparing for another year of presentations, workshops, and retreats requires diligent study and planning. This is a task I take seriously and I prefer to utilize slower times to get a jump on these types of preparations. In the midst of it all I can prayerfully reflect upon the message I feel guided by the Holy Spirit to prepare. These are blessed moments in my life.
It is my hope that each of you have an opportunity to experience some time for relaxing during these days of summer. Let God speak to you in the process. Whether you are going on an exotic vacation, a camping trip in the woods, or simply sitting on your porch enjoying a stay-cation, invite the power and presence of God to join you. Enter into prayer during these quiet moments. Give thanks for the blessings. Ask for strength to endure the trials and tribulations. Most of all, recognize that this is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!
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