Summer Rhythms
By Dawn Mack
In the last few weeks, a question I have been hearing frequently is: “what are your plans for the summer?” Whether it’s vacations, projects around the house, more family time or just slowing down, our rhythms tend to shift during these months. As our church family thinks about the summer season — how can we view our rhythms in a way that is honoring to God?
The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:11, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” If we call ourselves followers of Christ; we are to imitate Him in everything we do. What does that look like when it comes to our rhythms— specifically rest and work?
Jesus says in John 15:4-5, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Rest and work are not opposites; they complement one another. In order to rest, we need to abide or remain in Him— the Vine. When we truly rest in Him, it is then that we can bear fruit. A branch that is not attached to a vine cannot bear fruit— so it is with our relationship with the Lord. We need to stay attached to Him in order to rest and therefore do the work that He has called us to do. If not, verse 6 goes on to say that if anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” How can we (the branches) stay attached to the Vine (Jesus) so that we can transition from resting and abiding in Him to working and producing fruit for Him?
The best place to go for that is Scripture; following the example of Jesus. Jesus moves between ministry and communion with the Father. After healing the sick, feeding the crowds, and serving others, He regularly withdrew to pray. We see Jesus moving between working to advance the Kingdom of God and resting and abiding with the Father— much like a pendulum.
As we read Scripture, we can notice that Jesus doesn’t stay on one side of the pendulum or the other for too long. He balances rest and work perfectly, just as the Father designed for us. We know that as sinful humans, we won’t be able to balance rest and work perfectly. So what happens when we inevitably rest or work for too long? If we rest for too long, we may become lazy or have a distorted perspective of what rest is. If we work or bear fruit for too long, we may experience burn out and start to do the work God has called us to do on our own strength, rather than abiding with Him and depending on Him for our strength.
As our schedules and rhythms change with the summer season, we may have more room for rest that we truly need with our Father—soul-nourishing rest that can truly refresh our souls. This type of rest is a beautiful invitation to delight in the Lord, be in His presence, commune with Him, and be restored by Him.
What might this look like? Yes, it could be spending more time in prayer or reading Scriptures— but let’s think a bit further. Being in His presence and delighting in Him could be: taking a walk and listening to nature (by yourself or with a friend!), doing a fun activity with your kids, enjoying a delicious meal with friends, inviting friends to a pick up game of basketball or pickleball at the park, or even inviting friends to engage in a Bible study together. Maybe resting as a church could look like being more intentional in our relationships with one another.
As summer naturally allows us to slow down, ask the Lord how He might be inviting you to abide in Him more intentionally. This isn’t only something we do alone with the Lord, though it can be. It is also formed and strengthened in community and relationships, while we learn to follow Jesus together. As we rest and abide in Him, may this time not be just another task or thing to do, but time to prepare you for a new season of Kingdom work with Him.
If you’re looking for others to connect and rest with, consider using the new Info Board at Center to invite people into activities you’re already planning this summer. You’ll find it in the hallway past the bathrooms, across from the Meeting Room.
How can you live out your everyday faith in the middle of what you’re facing today?
For prayer or encouragement, connect with Kate Dodd, Director of Care, at Kate@centerchurch.live.
