---- — School is out and summer is in full swing. Churches begin to look pretty deserted, as familites take their annual vacations. Even as you read this I have already joined my wife in the Philippines for several weeks of R&R. Since my in-laws returned to the Philippines a number of years ago to live out their retirement, my wife and I use our vacation time to visit with them and we love every minute. But even that tropical paradise is hot and humid.
Research has proven how vitally important it is that we all take the time to relax and unwind, to pause, to reflect, to get away from the phone and simply concentrate on pleasure and less stressful times. I know it seems like I have to justify to myself why I need to take the time to get away and do something different. Last year I did not take any vacation and feel as though I paid for it, by being more tired, suffering from fatigue and anxiety at times. I have no one to blame but myself for accepting varied positions of leadership and stretching myself thin. But this year there was no question I needed to take some time for myself.
Yes, that me-time. Whether it’s escaping to the spa for a day or the woods for a weekend, or a boat on a Saturday afternoon, we all need that time to be not only alone but with our family — and without interruption. I look forward to spending time with my in-laws whom I only see once a year, and am generally “spoiled rotten” — and I love every minute of it. I also value the escape from the phone and the calendar, the computer and meetings — to meditate, reflect, plan, and prepare for a new year ahead. (For many of us in church life, our calendar year begins in September, so my new year is when we all return from summer vacation to a more regular schedule of work and school.)
Whether its watching a glorious sunset on Manila Bay, or soaking in the beauty of the Taal Volcano, or swimming in the South China Sea as I did two years ago, I need that time to connect with nature, with my own spirit, as well as with the Holy Spirit. I suppose that I am not alone in these thoughts.
I am reminded of Jesus often retreating to a quiet place to think, to pray, to reflect, to plan. Sometimes it’s hard to think or plan when you are in the middle of a certain situation or project; in fact, you have to step outside the box to get a clearer picture of what it is you need to be doing. I find it hard to evaluate my progress with certain projects or responsibilities when I am so engrossed in their detail. On the other side, I see my deficiencies and flaws and areas that I could surely improve.
No one said that being a Christian would be easy, did they? Christ did not want “admirers,” he much preferred “followers.” And to be a follower sometimes demands as much “thinking” as that of a leader. We need time to evaluate the process. Thoughtful decisions about our Christian service come about only when we are intentional about understanding our call.
Recently I delivered a sermon on the talents we all have been given. It is only when we pause and reflect on the gifts God has provided do we understand what it is that we are to do with them. I marvel at the gifts of music that many possess, the gifts of teaching, counseling, supporting, caring. But I know that there are many who have yet to understand or accept the special gift they have been given, and are not using it for the building of God’s kingdom — either on earth or here in the valley.
My prayer for you would be that during this summer vacation period, when you are most relaxed and comfortable, to think about the rich blessings God has bestowed upon you and ask yourself whether or not you are doing all you can for your community. Are you using your gifts, or are they being wasted or ignored. I would almost bet that there is a congregation in this valley that would love to have your talent and would welcome you with open arms to exercise it. So, I hope and pray that your summer is a restful one that provides you an opportunity to reflect, think, and begin to ponder how you will pursue the sharing of your talents and gifts that our Savior has blessed you with.
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey T. Moore is pastor of Central Christian Church, Hermitage.
