Summertime Suggestions
Summertime is upon us again. Whether that means a break from 300 inches of snow or entering into a time of scorching 100 degree afternoons, summer is most definitely a time to enjoy a break from the hectic life of school, sports, meetings, and more. So what are you going to do with your summer free time?
At the risk of offering too many ideas and “harshing your summer vibe,” here are a few suggestions for the next few months.
- Take a look back on the past year and remember what worked really well and what did not. Some people like to make lists and some people just like to spend an hour or so recapping in their minds. Wherever you fall, this time can be incredibly valuable from a “learn from the past” point of view. If you feel inspired, plan a lunch with some of your coworkers and put together a SWOT list from your ministry. Looking back and looking forward are always easier to do when life is slightly calmer so you may surprise yourself with how clear your mind is working when the sun is shining bright outside.
- Clean out old junk. As the year gets going, it is inevitable that things will pile up and take up room on our desks, chairs, floors, bookshelves, medulla oblongata and more (not sure about that last one, but Waterboy is a great summer flick!). Summer can offer quiet days at the office when you can sort, organize, and throw away stuff you don’t need anymore. All the actions that it’s tough to devote time to when everything in your life seems to be happening at once. So in between trips to the pool and beach, pop into the office or your inbox and dump a few pounds of junk off at the recycling bin. You’ll be happy you did later on.
- Read a good book. The New York Times and other outlets don’t make Summer Reading Lists for no reason. Summer is a great time to spend time clearing your mind with a good book. I certainly have my favorites from just about every genre, but I also love taking a chance on something totally new and unfamiliar. One of my favorites series is Jean Auel’s Earth Children Series (known mostly for the first book, Clan of the Cave Bear). Truth be told though, I never would have read any of it except that I needed a third audiobook from the library to help balance my pile. Maybe you’re not into epic fiction series about the beginning of civilization, but maybe you are and just haven’t ever given it a shot. Point is, take a chance and read something you haven’t tried before. You may come away with a new favorite or two…
- Take a trip somewhere adventurous. Did you know that there are 61 National Parks in the United States? Sure, everybody knows the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone. But what about Big Bend in Texas, Arches in Utah or Mammoth Cave in Kentucky? We have a beautiful country and it can be amazing to get out and see it. And while you’re racking up those miles on the road, spend some time listening to the soothing sounds and deep wisdom of The Petrus Development Show. We’ve got 17 amazing interviews up with fantastic guests and nobody says you not allowed to learn and be inspired while traveling the open roads.
I started off saying that I didn’t want to make a list about breaktime activities so long and onerous that it added any more stress to your life, so I’ll stop there. At the end of the day, I hope that you can take some time to enjoy a small respite this summer and get in some good R&R. The fall is going to be back here before we know it and Lord knows, we could all use a recharge!
God bless and don’t forget the sunscreen!
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