I hope you all are doing well and that the summer season is starting off well for you! On my side, I am enjoying the traffic reprieve now that school is out and my commute is a little shorter 🙂

I wanted to take a minute and remind you of a couple of things.

First, though we like to think of the summer as a time when things wind down, if you really think about it, does life ever really wind down? Except for some time when we are actually on "vacation", life is still pretty darn busy and engaged. And, even when we are "on vacation", getting there is many times as hard and stressful, and maybe even more so, as our "normal" days. Remember, you need to be REALLY intentional about rest in order to actually get some.

Second, remember to care for your heart. Sabbath is what we need. Union with God (John 17:20-23). We need God more than we need a vacation (Psalm 23:2-3). God more than we need relief. God more than we need whatever it is we typically go to to numb us from the stress of the day. Take time this summer to care for your heart. God wants you to have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

Do the things that light you up! The things that bring you joy. The things that, when you are doing them, bring you peace, healing and restoration. A walk on the beach, in the mountains or in your neighborhood? An nap in the sun? A talk with someone close about nothing in particular? Reading a book, truly for pleasure; not because you have to or you should but because you want to?

So my friends, this summer ... be intentional about rest and care for your heart!

Both will do you a great good.