Summer 2023....idle time/alone time

Is summer all it is cracked up to be?

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession or us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. . . . As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 26-27, 36-39)

Summer time is supposed to be a time of fun, excitement, travel, and rest. However, many find it challenging. Some are not able to travel as they would like. Others may feel rather alone, not seeing classmates, co-workers, or family as they do in the normal routines of the non-summer months. Yet others face emotions of envy and jealousy seeing others travel to exotic lands, recall their fun-filled cruise excursions, or discuss their days or weeks on the beach.

For many, summer is simply not as much fun or restful as others may think. People may become frustrated, alone, and rather invisible during the summer. They may slip into a state of recluse and hide within the shadows as others enjoy the times of rest and relaxation. I know! As a teacher/mentor/coach, I have summers free. Yet free to do what? I find myself idle and feeling alone many times, even though family is around and friends visit. I tend to cover up my feelings inside with outward learned social skills. Is that you at times too?

God knows these emotions. He knows our hearts and His Spirit pleads for us (Romans 8:26-27). Know that we are never alone . . . especially when we have feelings of aloneness. (Romans 8:36-39)

We all must know that God truly cares. This is why I pursue others to know the God I know. His care gets me through the toughest of days! Let Him in today . . .