“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy” from Porgy and Bess, by George Gershwin
It’s summertime! Most of our church workers are planning summer events and many will be traveling for vacation. This is the time to relax a little from the hectic stress of church and school ministries. It’s a good time to get out and about. Maybe go to a community swimming pool or take your family for miniature golf. Perhaps your travels will take you across country to family and friends. For some of you it will be time to fire up your bar-b-que grill over the 4th of July celebration. Whatever you do make sure you enjoy your summertime and make sure you take some time away from your work.
There are a host of things you can do over the summer. You can go out for a morning bike ride. Perhaps play some Ping-pong at a family camp. Take a nature hike in a park. Read a good book in your EZ chair or put on some soothing music and take a nap. Go to a movie with a friend or your spouse. Play some games with your children. The sky is the limit and let your imagination run wild.
Stress accumulates, and summertime is a great time to de-stress. Many studies confirm that stress is a leading cause of illness, fatigue and burnout. Stress is related to depression and anxiety. Getting out and about, and getting your body going, is one of the greatest mood enhancers. As the song suggests, “summertime, and the living’ is easy….fish are jumping’…” That’s a good metaphor for us. Walking, riding, rowing, running, jumping are all things we can do over the summer. Walk on the beach. Visit a museum. Take a train ride. If your weather is too hot, cool off with a tall ice tea and sit in the shade.
Perhaps you might enjoy picking up a book on prayer or read some of the Christian classics this summer. Audible has some excellent choices to listen to for spiritual growth and meditation.
Yes, the fish are jumpin’. Why not grab a fishing rod and sit aside a lake or fish a stream? The cool rushing water will carry you away to happy moments and good times.
Whatever you do this summer, make sure you include personal time with God. Grow closer to Him and enjoy His Creation. Then then the Fall comes around you will be well rested and energized for you ministry to God’s people.
Summer time…and the livin’ is easy.
This One Minute is written by Pastor Ron Rehrer, Counselor for Church Workers in the PSD.
For help, contact Ron at 949-433-5182 or email