How to Press Pause and Find Peace this Summer
Has your summer been filled with lazy, relaxing, peaceful days? Or does it seem there are just as many to-do’s on your list as ever?
I envision summer vacation to be relaxing by the pool in the warm sun with a book in hand. Or waking up with a blank slate and the freedom to consider, “Hmm… what would I like to do today?”
As if! It seems like those days disappear once you become an adult.
If you work full-time, then summer break isn’t a thing anymore. If you’re a mom, you’re probably shuttling kids to day camps, refereeing sibling fights, and debating how much screen time is fair.
So this summer season could feel just as hectic as ever unless we determine to:
Press pause
Put boundaries in place
Live in the moment
Pause moments are vitally important for our spiritual journey. If we’re going to be led by the Spirit, then our quiet time, prayer life, and other spiritual disciplines can’t blend in with all the other items on our schedule.
Our spiritual life has to stand apart as the main priority.
Maybe fasting is in the picture this summer, even if it’s just a few days. Remember that a fast doesn’t have to be a certain length of time in order to “count”. (See How Long Should a Daniel Fast Last?)
Fasting is a definitive signal to our body, soul, and spirit that: I’m calling a time out to focus on the Lord.
Fasting is a countercultural declaration to pause, consume less, and opt for the slow journey.
Let’s explore three ways to make this your best summer yet!
The Countercultural Slow Journey
Only you have the power to press pause in your life. There will also be new projects to tackle, places to go, and people to connect with. We live in a world that is moving at an increasingly rapid pace.
Having peace is not necessarily about whether you do more or less, it’s about whether you’re in God’s will and timing.
Consider how Jesus would get away by Himself to spend entire nights in prayer and intimate communion with His Father.
That took discipline!
There were cities to visit, people to heal, and crowds pressing around Him demanding attention but Jesus mad sure alone time with His Father was nonnegotiable. In fact, it was the only way He could ensure He was doing His Father’s will and be sustained in His ministry.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
Where Are Your Boundary Lines?
What exactly are we in such a rush to get to anyway?
Unsplash @glenncarstenspeters
When will the to-do list be completely crossed off and every project finished? It’s not going to happen in this lifetime . . . there is no finish line.
Striving to do more, do it faster, and find ways to be more efficient and multitask will not ease tension in the long run.
We need to set some boundaries.
Evaluate how much you can realistically do while still being able to:
Keep your priorities in line
Single task and focus
Stay healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally
Focus on the people in front of you
Have down time and rest
With these principles in mind, you can filter through your daily routine and decide
What to delegate
What to postpone
What to say “no for now” to
“And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’” (Luke 2:49 NKJV)
Unsplash @priscilladupreez
Living with Focused Intention in the Present
How much of what’s going on in your mind involves rehashing the past or rehearsing the future (and probably 99.999% of these hypothetical conversations and scenarios never play out as imagined)?
It’s time to take a full deep breath and just be.
Where are you right now?
What can you appreciate about your surroundings?
Who are you with?
How can you create meaningful moments with people today?
I love the way fasting helps me focus.
When you move through the day with the expectation of hearing from God, you walk more mindfully. Your senses are heightened and you’re more discerning of both distractions and worldly influence, and also the Lord’s voice.
“And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? . . . But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” (Mat 6:27,33)
Seize the Day
Whether you have lots to do this summer or just a little, it will all be more enjoyable if you focus on being fully present.
We should be less worried less about the quantity and pace of what we do and more focused on the quality of life we live.
If it’s summer time and the living ain’t easy, press pause and lean into the Lord to order your body, soul, spirit and schedule.
Need a pause? Try a 10 Day Daniel Fast, sign up below to get the email delivered to your inbox.
