Rest

Even youth grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

This verse describes my summer! I haven't written my blog for most of the summer. I didn't do a lot of cooking or cleaning and as little laundry as was necessary. We lived away from strict time constraints and did activities out of the ordinary. Routine is important and a part of life. At times though it feels as if I am a gerbil running on a ferris wheel going round and round and every day feels the same. Every parent out there and probably most kids feel the same way.

I always look forward to summer. I love spending the time with my kids. I love not having to carpool and race from place to place. I love being able to sleep in once in awhile and not "filling my day" with 101 things. We all get stressed out from life in general. I am always sad for two weeks once the kids go back with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat nervous for new beginnings for everyone. It was bad enough having to experience the first day of school myself, but even worse as a parent. I get nervous meeting their teachers, worrying if they'll start out on the right foot.

Summer is a time for renewal. All these stresses ease away with the relaxation of life without a schedule. We get tired from having such a busy life; school, sports, church, jobs, volunteer activities.

Someone once gave me such a fantastic word picture. Close your eyes and imagine a watering can. Mine is beautiful with flowers painted on the outside. I start with the can full of fresh, sparkling cold water. I pour it out little by little for my kids and my husband. The water keeps flowing with each person that I help, the work that I do, the places I serve. Until, at the very end there is no more cold sparkling water. The can becomes all dry and hot and then there is nothing left to give for anyone. As a matter of fact, there is none left for me. Some call that burnout.

We all need time to be quiet, to unplug to rest, to spend time in worship and peace with our Creator. John 7:37 says: If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. I thank God for the time I spent with Him this summer on my hikes through the mountain, on my bike along the river. For there, He renewed my strength for the places He will have me serve during this next school year.

How about you? Are you refreshed ready to serve where God wants you to or are you like the dry watering can? If so, ask God to wash His living water in and through you. His promise to help you soar like and eagle is true!!