For Northeast Ohioans, summer is a time in which many of us seek to find recreation, rest and renewal as we experience vacations and other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. It is important for us to find moments when we unwind and let go of things that can influence stress in our lives. I have always subscribed the importance of recreation in our busy schedules. Most of us embrace recreation as something that is done for amusement, enjoyment, pleasure and considered fun.
When you study the etymology of recreation you discover the word was first used in the 14th century in the sense of “refreshment or curing of a sick person” and derives from the Latin to create again. When we as human beings embrace recreation we are essentially recreating ourselves or bringing some renewal to our daily lives. Therefore, it is very important that we make time and plan specifically for recreation.
Rest is also on the top of the list when it comes to a life necessity. Without proper rest, the body is unable to operate at the optimal level of health. So often we get caught up in the daily grind of work and responsibilities that our stress levels become elevated. Once again like recreation, it is important to prioritize sufficient rest and quality sleep in everyday life. Rest and sleep are not the same thing, but both are important for physical health. Studies show prioritizing rest can improve one’s quality of sleep. Spiritually speaking, Jesus has an important reminder in Matthew 11:28-30,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We are then left with renewal, and I am speaking of spiritual renewal. The first thing one must do is make a conscious decision to do so. Just hoping you end up feeling a new sense of inspiration is not going to render results. Intentional effort is the only way to achieve what we desire. If we are not willing to put in the effort we are not going to reap the results.
Beginning in August, we will start a new sermon series that will take us to Restart Sunday, September 18th. It is my hope that this series will help people experience new, fresh things God wants to do in our lives, because we so often feel stuck in a rut and just go through the motions. Instead of just surviving life, God wants us to thrive and experience the abundant life he came to give us.
Together we will examine what it means to have renewed spirit, renewed purpose, renewed love and renewed community. I pray it becomes apparent to each one of us and our church that God is interested in doing a new thing within us. God desires for us to experience a deeper and more meaningful relationship with him. God is waiting and wanting to renew us. As Isaiah 43:19 says,
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. “
As summer winds down and school begins, I hope you have found time for recreation and rest. Please join me for a time of renewal as well. This is all so important for our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Remember… “With God, All Things Are Possible!”
Growing Together in Full Devotion to Christ,
Pastor Kevin
