Some Things To Do This Summer

I know, we’ve barely had spring and now I’m talking about summer. But this is Memorial Day Weekend, and summer is virtually here. To make the most of the warmer weather and the longer days, decide now how you are going to spend the summer and plan it. Here are a couple of suggestions.Schedule vacation. Not just the dates, but what are you going to do? Where are you going to go? Have a family meeting to talk about it and that way you get to also enjoy the anticipation. Some of our fondest family memories took place on trips we took as a family in the summer.Bike the Des Plaines River Trail. We have seen deer, fox, coyotes, cranes, lots of geese and ducks, and one or two mosquitos :-). If you don’t have a bike, maybe now’s the time to get one. The fresh air and exercise will do you good.Hike the State Parks. We have some beautiful ones not that far away. One of our favorites is Rock Cut, just north of Rockford. A really great hiking spot is Starved Rock. It’s worth it to set a Saturday aside and get into God's creation. I believe God created nature to be our habitat and the further we have removed ourselves from it, the more emotional and psychiatric problems we have developed. Get outside! You might be surprised what it does for your spirit.Kayak or Paddleboat on Lake Opeka. We like to take our canoe out on the Des Plaines River. But if you don’t have a canoe or a kayak, Lake Opeka offers boat rentals. There’s an old Native American saying, “Looking on the water daily is good for the soul.” Being an outdoor water lover, I agree. Jesus seemed to as well. He spent a lot of time on the Sea of Galilee and along the Jordan River.Walk and pray for your neighborhood. Linda and I like to walk the neighborhood and pray for everyone who lives in the houses that we pass. We ask God to reveal himself to them, to protect them from the evil one, and to send someone from our church into their lives in some way to bring them the Gospel. People are outside in the summer and it also gives you the chance to get to know them.Plan a cookout or two. This is also a great witnessing tool. Invite a few neighbors and a few church friends. It’s amazing the opportunities that present themselves in these kinds of outdoor gatherings.Help us fill spots at church. Because of vacations and weekends away, our faithful ministry volunteers need help. They need the break, but our ministry keeps going and we need to fill the holes left behind when they are gone. Can you help us with that? It might be a great way to check out a few different ministries to see where you would best fit in. Contact Becky in the office and let her know you are available. She’ll get you plugged in. While you’d be filling a need, you won’t be locked in to a long-term commitment.This summer could be a time of refreshment and rejuvenation for you. Make the most of it. God has some big plans for you next fall. Let this summer be your time to get ready!