Seasons Are Changing - You Can Too
We’ve officially entered the weird season of ministry in Ohio. It’s the one where attendance drops and people start telling us that they are experiencing God outdoors…. everything slows down, and it almost feels like everyone wants to be on summer break.
I get it. And as a local church pastor, I used to get super frustrated with the way things felt like they fell off a cliff.
Then, someone much smarter than I told me something I’ll never forget: Let the season minister to you as well.
Essentially, he reminded me that I can use this season as a way to refocus, energize, and most importantly - carve out intentional time with the Lord.
However, if you are anything like me, it won’t happen if you don’t put it on your calendar. And that’s why I’m sharing this idea with you now.
I want to challenge you to carve out intentional time with the Lord this summer before summer gets here.
And I also want to encourage you not to overcomplicate it, just a day away in a park will work.
Some other ideas that might be worth considering:
Schedule one day a month to get away and disconnect. Just you and Jesus. You might even see if there is a local ministry house that will offer you respite.
Try a silent retreat for 48 hours.
Pick one block of your calendar a week and don’t do anything other than commune with the Lord. No writing for work, no reading Scripture for work, no people.
At the end of the day this season can be a gift!
Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:12-14