Summer Striving

This week we will continue to focus on the need to rest and refuel. 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” 

Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

How do you decide what goes on your family calendar? Do you have criteria you use? Does an activity or event have to be good for everyone? Do you have a maximum capacity filter? What about a “driving distance” limit? Or a “one activity per child” rule? 

Do you have a filter for “eternal impact?”

Several times recently we have heard people mention that they are overwhelmed. We have all been there: too much to do and too little time to do it, or a job or task for which we feel ill equipped. How can we use the change in schedule over the summer to refocus? Asking this begs the question, focus on what? What should we be striving for?

“Let’s strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.”

Hosea 6:3

Let’s use the time over the summer to strive to know the Lord. Unlike other striving, which may or not be fruitful, striving after the Lord brings certain results. Whatever our criteria may be for adding to the calendar, let’s make sure seeking Jesus (alone, with peers, and with our children) goes on first!