Next Tuesday is the first day of summer. What does conjure up for you? Do you think of water? Sun? Long walks with the dog? Bicycles? No school? Vacation? Trips? Family sightings?
I was reminded this morning that nothing, absolutely nothing, works on empty. Even inanimate objects need to have a source of energy. My car has to have the required amount of oil, gas, clean air. My computer and cell phone have to spend the required number of hours plugged into electricity to charge their batteries.
Living things need energy as well. My plants need water and some sunlight. My dog has to have clean water, food and exercise everyday to be a happy dog. He has Addisons disease so he also needs regular shots at the vet and a pill buried inside a treat every-other morning. He needs people time and needs time away from people each and every day.
So, I wonder do you ever stop and ask, “what do I need to be full?” Every one of us needs rest, water, good food. We need time with friends, family and our faith communities and we need time away from our friends, family and faith communities. We need to take time to “plug” ourselves into the one true source of power and life, God. Some of us have health issues we have to take into account. Some of us need to take extra care with medicine or oxygen. No two person’s needs are exactly the same. We are all different members of the same body. But even our individual bodies have individual needs that need our attention too or we become sick or empty.
I am reminded of the hym
Fill My Cup Lord Lyrics
(Verse 1)
Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
But then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from the well that never shall run dry".
(Chorus)
Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more--
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
As I think about summer I know that I am looking forward to a slower pace. I know that I will need to spend more time outside and away from people. I need to honor some retreat time with the source of my being. I need this interior time with God in order to prepare for busier times of the year. I need some extra family fun time and some plain old rest and relaxation with some iced tea and a good novel. None of this costs extra money or will be elaborate. It is actually difficult to put into words how much I am looking forward to it.
As your pastor I encourage you to ask the question, “What do I need to fill my soul, take care of my body this summer?” I encourage you to speak it out loud to a loved one or write it in a journal. Then pray about it asking God to help you get what you need. If I run into you this summer I may just ask you, “How is the filling- up going?” I hope you ask me too.
Blessings.
