Philippians 4:8-9 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practise. And the God of peace will be with you.'

It’s June. Summer is ahead. We’re counting the days. I have Olaf’s song in my head: ‘Da da, da doo. Bees'll buzz, kids'll blow dandelion fuzz. And I'll be doing whatever snow does… in summer!'

Summer is a season of pausing. Most activities stop. Life slows down. We’re desperate for a rest. Daily routine goes out of the window. There’s something freeing about the lack of structure.

Unfortunately, in my life (and I do hear it around me as well), this lack of ‘structure’ affects my spiritual life. The pause from activity results in a pause in my daily walk with Jesus. When I seem to have more time to read the Bible, I read less. Though I have more space to drink in the beauty of God’s creation, I’ve fallen silent in my conversations with him. This is not intentional. I would want it to be different but ‘I also need rest’. Yet do we rest from God?

We’re finishing our season with the first 6 chapters of Acts and the precious Pauline letter to the church in Philipi. I wonder if the words from Paul in Philippians 4:8-9 can help us review our perspective on summer. ‘Whatever you have learned and received (in 2014/15), put it into practise.’ Instead of taking a breather, summer is a perfect opportunity to reflect back over the year, read up on our notes and take 5 things God has been speaking to us about and put them into practise. After all the input, may we see the output. May we not only be hearers of the Word but practitioners too. If we do, the God of peace will be with us. What a promise indeed! I’m sure our putting into practise all we’ve received will not only be to our own benefit!

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Christiaan