The Secret Danger of Summer (Hint: It Has Nothing to Do With Sunscreen)

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Summertime. Supposedly the world slows down just a little and we can all breathe a little easier. Perhaps we escape reality and head to a quiet place to read, get outside, and just be. 

Has this been this case for you? Has your summer been restful? 

Restful is not one of the first words that comes to mind when I think about my summer. Instead, my mind jumps to words such as “Fun!”, “Busy!”, and “Flying By!”. 

I have certainly been able to get away and enjoy time with family and friends. I’ve taken road trips, slept in a tent, jumped in the cool and clear waters of Lake Michigan, and carefully toasted marshmallows to create the perfect s’more. 

By all accounts, I should be incredibly relaxed. 

And yet, summer is easily my most jam-packed season of the year. I don’t say no to opportunities to take trips, see friends, work odd jobs, and tackle projects around the house. 

By the time August rolls around, I find that stress and anxiety are starting to appear more and more (right along with the mosquito bites). I am often baffled by the stress. Why am I stressed? Sure, I’ve been busy. But I’ve been having so much fun, making so many memories. 

As I consider the stress, I come to some realizations. While I’ve been saying “Yes!” to many things, I’ve also been saying a silent “no” to others. My attendance at church is often sporadic. I haven’t been to Bible Study in weeks. My time of quiet devotions is often sacrificed for sleep. I’m more likely to scroll through my social media feeds than pick up my Bible. 

What is it about this particular season that causes me to unintentionally disconnect from the source of true joy and rest? [Tweet This]

I share these challenges as a way to keep myself accountable. Next spring, I want to remember how life-giving the church community is. I want to prioritize time to be alone with God and quiet my thoughts. I have learned this summer that these habits of rest and time with God are not just “good ideas”. They are absolutely necessary to my spiritual and emotional health. 

Life does not slow down during the summer. In fact, for many of us, it is the opposite.

I’d love to hear how YOU prioritize rest and spiritual growth during the summer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!