When the Temperature Rises

As we enter into the dog-days of summer, I am fighting the awful disesase known as “summer-brain.”  This is right around the time in the calendar year, when I find myself slowing down.  My thinking slows down, my speech becomes sluggish and my body feels like it needs more time in rest mode than it actually requires.  I understand why certain places in the south, it’s common to see people gently swinging on porch swings drinking sweat tea and fanning themselves to survive the heat of the summer months.

There is one area of my life that also seems to slow down as well - my spiritual life.  Apathy sets in like a misty fog and before I know it, I’m not as hungry to spend time in God’s presence.  It always catches me off-guard because the slowness of the summer months is so subtle and before I know it, I’ve neglected one of the most integral aspects of my life - my relationship with God.

I’m reminded of the tree (Psalm 1) that is planted next to streams of water.  No matter what the season, that tree will bear fruit.  I want to be like that tree.  Well first of all, I want to be like a tree and be firmly planted to begin with.  But second to that, I want to make sure that I am planted to the place that offers continuous refreshment bringing health, vitality and bearing fruit.