We all like to get away from the monotonous routines of home life and work. After all, it only makes sense that the long-hot summer days of July and August were meant for playing golf, lounging at the pool or visiting distant relatives -- you know, the ones who your not even sure how your related, but they have the beautiful place on the lake--so you drop by for a weekend visit! Why not?!  

As you travel all those miles, don't forget to include your devotions, your prayer life and your giving to God. Here is a passage to consider while getting on your way:

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring fourth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11 {from lessons 8th Sunday after Pentecost}

What a remarkable understanding of climatology the psalmist had! Could it be that he was aware of evapotransporation, the way in which plants take up water through their roots and after accomplishing growth (photosynthesis) they release this water through tiny pores in their leaves as part of their ability to cool themselves, and then this water vapor returns into the air and may then be released once again as rain? Surely the psalmist must have taken time during his summers to observe all the miraculous aspects of God's creation. We too can look, observe and learn from the wonders of creation and in this we will find rest for weary minds and bodies.

Observing the travels of water, as it falls as rain, as it flows through the ground or as it is absorbed by plants we can recognize that our own journey through life also accomplishes God's purposes. The realization comes to us that our lives consist of patterns and paths that flow through various stages. The stages of rest and relaxation are important parts of the cycle and should not be neglected if we hope to complete our cycle to fruition.

By this I mean that there may be something at work in us that cannot be completed until we have had a resting period. The importance of "getting away" for a while is not always about doing all of the super special things that we might do while on a vacation, but it is the returning to home rested and with a fresh outlook on life that is most important. Everything just works out better when your mind is clear and your body is refreshed.

So take a breather, get away for several days or longer and allow yourself the opportunity to complete a natural cycle of fruition. But, when you get back, contribute some of your new-found energy and enthusiasm to the life and ministry of your church and your community!

With people that are rested and energized serving God in their congregations, there can be new gains made for God's kingdom. When we are rested, we can give our best and will be able to accomplish the wonderful things that God intends to bring fourth in our church's ministries.

The peace of the Lord be with you always