Dear Youth, Parents, & Leaders,
July is the month that we in the United States tend to think about freedom. This year, I won't write about freedom, though it's something for which we all need to be thankful, both politically and spiritually! July is also a time when many of us take vacations and we do so for rest.
Rest. In a world spinning with "busyness" and where the word "busy" is almost a badge of honor, let's pause for a moment and consider the benefits of rest. To spend relaxing time with family is, of course, something for which all families should strive. When you're "away from it all," focusing on each other can be done more easily. When distractions are fewer, time with God can become seemingly more attainable. When we go on vacation and rest, we can recharge ourselves physically, spiritually, and we can recharge our families. God modeled rest for us in Genesis-- "
On the seventh
day
God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work" (Genesis 2:2). He not only modeled it for us, but in Christ, He offers it to us-- "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
As you take a break from school (and hopefully a vacation from work), rest your bodies and re-energize your relationships with your family and with the Lord.
You are loved and you are prayed for! Pay careful attention to our up-coming events! Don't get lost in the details. May God bless you all as you balance your time among summer jobs, camps, trips, vacations, and of course church! See you soon :)
With
YOUth on My Heart,
Jonathan Hale <><
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