Looking Ahead

May has turned to June, the temperature is rising, and we are enjoying the sun between leftover May showers; summer is here! With summer comes all kinds of activities. I hope you are planning some backyard BBQs with friends and family, enjoying some family time riding bikes or sitting by the pool, or maybe you’re like me and you’ve already made your way to the ballpark once or twice. Summer is great! Many of us even have a summer trip or two planned. We look forward to these times to get away, see some new sights, and enjoy an exciting new adventure or two.

I’m planning to head to Chicago with my family in a few weeks. I am looking forward to watching a ball game in Wrigley Field and having a slice of Chicago-style pizza. I have also threatened Cherie with camping this summer; hopefully, we’ll find a little time to spend in the great outdoors & not just in the City of Big Shoulders. I hope you will find some time to rest and relax this summer as well. Isn’t that why we plan these vacations? We are looking for some time to slow down and savor the relationships that are most important to us, but how often have you returned home from a vacation and thought, “I need a vacation from my vacation!” Sometimes we return to work hoping for a break!

I hope you’ve been reading through the Psalms in Wallula’s Summer reading plan. I’ve really been enjoying reading the songbook of scripture. I mentioned on summer this word that you sometimes find in the margins next to one of the poems in Psalms. Maybe you have noticed this word, “Selah.” It is a word that is present to remind us to slow down and to savor the word of God. Make time this summer to rest in Him. Slow down, read, and re-read His word. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Allow His word to encourage, motivate, even rebuke, and repair your life this summer.

A great way to practice slowing down and really meditating on scripture is to practice Lectio Divina. This is an ancient prayer method that is focused on slowing down and really listening for God to speak through His word and Spirit. The process involves reading slowly through a section of scripture. You can use any passage of scripture, but maybe give it a try with Psalm 100 today. Read through Psalms 100 like this: 1) Read the passage slowly, mentally highlighting words, phrases, or concepts that stand out to you. 2) Reread the passage, this time stop and meditate/pray over those words that you highlighted earlier. 3) Read the passage again. This time, spend time considering how to apply the passage, listen closely for any direction from the Spirit.

- Lance

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 - Psalm 100:5