Often times we end our summer looking back at a whirlwind of activity. Activity that we enjoyed, but activity that leaves us drained physically and, most importantly, drained spiritually. Rather than walking into the fall refreshed and renewed, we often limp into fall longing for routine. Is it possible to change that? Is it possible for summer to be a time of growth and renewal instead of drought and exhaustion? I think it is, but it requires a few crucial steps.

1. Stay Engaged in Community: Often when summer hits we ramp up the travel schedule, and we begin to lose our connection to community. This sets us up for spiritual and social drought. We see a lot of people as we travel, but very few who really know us and can speak meaningfully into our lives. Stay connected even if it means you have to say no to a few trips.

2. Read a Powerful Book: Summer is a great time for reading, but while “The Hunger Games” is a terrific book for entertainment, it does little to refresh our soul. This summer choose one or two books to bring on your travels that refresh you spiritually. Here are a few suggestions based on where you are in the journey.

Beginning: Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren

Fed: The Principle of the Path – Andy Stanley

Feeding Yourself: Waking the Dead – John Eldridge

Feeding Others: Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper

3. Maintain Your Experience Plan: Rather than allowing your vacation to kill your experience plan, allow summer to solidify it. Use the time to enjoy God the way you planned to. This can be a great chance to establish the rhythm of life you long to experience at home.

4. Watch Live: Even though your summer may take you around the globe, you don’t have to feel distant from the Sunday conversation. Jump online and watch live, or watch while you’re at the pool. Staying engaged allows you to continue growing and moving forward with our family.

5. Rest: We don’t like to believe it, but we need rest. Don’t just plan vacations, plan time to rest. You are a holistic being. Your spiritual journey is connected to your physical journey. If you run yourself ragged over the course of the summer, you will suffer spiritually. Schedule at least one Saturday a month when you will do absolutely nothing. Protect that day. Learn to say – “no.”

Summer doesn’t have to be a time when you move backward. Make this summer a strong summer. Walk into this coming fall stronger than you are today. It can happen!