3 Tips to Experience Renewal This Summer
I read an article recently that said many Americans are so exhausted that they are taking “sleepcations.” In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept, you rent a hotel room and just sleep the entire time! Sounds a little boring unless, of course, you’re completely exhausted.
Recently, Steve and I pulled away for a quiet week. Not a sleepcation, but a time to rest, walk, write, and pray. At times, we take vacations for adventure and fun. But on this last one, we needed renewal. We borrowed a good friend’s house in Florida. We took long walks on the beach, spent unhurried time with the Lord, and focused on writing and praying. What a refreshing time we had!
I wonder if this is what Jesus had in mind when His disciples gathered around Him after a busy season of ministry? He invited them to come with Him by themselves to a quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6:31). They had been with lots of people—so many, in fact, that they had not even had the chance to eat. They likely had not been sleeping well either because of all the stress in their lives. Sound familiar?
Maybe that’s like your life! Life this past spring might have been crazy full, with kids’ activities, graduations, concerts, work demands, and all the other things that pull at our calendars. Some called it “Maycember,” meaning it was as full as Christmastime with extra events. As a result, you’re feeling a profound need to breathe and rejuvenate.
Now that summer is here, what does renewal look like for you?
You might be thinking, Renewal is impossible until the kids go back to school. Not necessarily. Here are a few ideas for you, no matter what life stage you’re in.
3 Tips to Experience Renewal This Summer
Savor Your Daily Time with God
Rather than doing the same spiritual disciplines you always do, change things up a little. Learn to savor those moments with the Lord, no matter how short they may be. Take your time with Jesus outside. With the sun coming up earlier, you could spend a few minutes outdoors praising God for the beauty of His creation. Or you could take a worship walk and spend your time praising God for all His goodness.
You can take one portion of Scripture—even one verse—and focus on that. One summer, I spent the entire season in John 15. Another summer, I focused on Colossians 3, and one year, Psalm 84. A great passage to focus on is Matthew 6:9–13, which contains the Lord’s Prayer.
Choose a passage and simply soak in it. Read it. Circle key phrases. Underline strategic thoughts. Meditate. Be intentional about listening to what God is saying to you through that passage. Slow down. Take your time and consider what God might be speaking to you. Seek to enjoy God’s presence.
Find Moments of Rest
Rest is essential for renewal. It doesn’t mean you have to take a nap every day, although if that’s your desire, go for it. Rest might come in the form of lying in a hammock and reading a novel. Or perhaps taking a break from social media or screens for a day. It might be that you need rest from wrestling over a problem at work—learn to take a break and rest in God’s presence.
Maybe designate one day a week this summer as a “no-news day.” We are constantly bombarded with news feeds, and as a result, our minds are exhausted. Psalm 46:10 instructs us to “Be still and know that I am God.” And Psalm 62:1 reminds us that our souls find rest in God alone. So make that a priority this summer.
Connect with Life-Giving Friends
Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends who refresh our souls. Host a breakfast club or a charcuterie-and-conversation evening. Gather a few friends for a fire-and-s’mores night. Perhaps start a book club this summer and enjoy conversations around a shared theme. Host a barbecue and invite other families over.
People go on vacation in the summer, but with a little intentionality, you can create specific times to gather and be refreshed by friends.
I believe that seasons should be purposeful in our lives. Summer is a wonderful season to refresh and recover our souls. Ask God to renew your strength and refresh your soul. You might be surprised by how He answers.
This week on the Connected Mom Podcast, we’re replaying our conversation with Hallmark actress Jen Lilley about waking up our faith. Be sure to listen in!
RightNow Media videos for Our Father are live! Our Father is a great study on the Lord’s Prayer. Why not suggest it to your church for a fall Bible study, especially now that the videos are available?
