TIME to Pivot to Your Summer Rhythm
Tips for Creating an Intentional AND Relaxed Summer.
With June’s arrival, it’s time to pivot our rhythms and welcome the whispers of laid-back days and warm nights signaling the start of summer. As we transition into this new season, I find there are always adjustments needed as we mark endings and new beginnings in the month of June. Join me as we take a moment to reflect on how we can make the most of this season’s rhythms together.
As summer begins, it often feels like the days stretch out endlessly before us. After the whirlwind of what some call "Maycember," it's tempting to toss aside schedules and routines and simply bask in the freedom to breathe.
As I paused in this freedom to breathe, I was reminded of the wisdom from Psalms.
"Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." Psalm 90:12 TLB (The Living Bible)
It's a gentle reminder that our time is limited, advising us to live intentionally and with purpose. It also sounds like of one of Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Begin with the end in mind.”
Let’s look at The Passion Translation of Ps 90:12:
“Help us to remember that our days are numbered and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction.”
What is this deep-seated wisdom residing within our hearts? Ecclesiastes 3:11 (AMP) tells us that God has planted eternity in the human heart (a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God).
God has planted eternity in the human heart (a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God) Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP
God has given each of us an internal compass, not of our own making, but one with Him as our True North. With that in mind, examining our core values for this summer season will provide guardrails to live intentionally, purposely and with a relaxed summer rhythm.
To help uncover the deep-seated guidance within our hearts, I have compiled a list of values for you to identify what is most important for your season ahead. By naming these values, you are, in effect, creating a framework to give your summer some fluid direction.
Here’s a link for you to access the list along with an activity for reflection. Follow these steps to make the most of the exercise:
Pause, invite God into this process and seek His perspective and guidance.
Invest 5-10 minutes highlighting the values that resonate with you for the upcoming season.
Delve deeper by narrowing your highlighted choices even further.
Take it a step further by ranking your values according to their significance.
It’s important to remember that this exercise is meant to be done in partnership with God, ensuring that our desires align with His wisdom and guidance. This entails not rushing off to follow your own desires impulsively. Instead, take a moment to pause, and earnestly seek God’s perspective and guidance.
We can learn from Jeremiah 21:13 (AMP): “My people have committed two evils: They have abandoned (rejected) Me, the fountain of living water, and they have carved out their own cisterns (water containers), broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
We certainly don’t want to pursue summer activities thinking they will quench our soul’s thirst while neglecting the One who truly satisfies.
I completed the exercise myself and created a container for my summer. It’s both flexible and purposeful. To keep it at the forefront, I made it into a wallpaper for my phone, as visual reminders help me stay anchored. Here’s what my wallpaper looks like…
Side note: If you download the list and let me know your top values, I’ll make a special wallpaper for you!
My vision for your summer is one filled with LIFE (the abundant kind), intentional living and a fluid rhythm that lets you navigate the season smoothly. (For more on this, check out last month’s blog about staying liquid).
I would love to hear your reflections and intentions for the season ahead – please comment below so we can support one another in cultivating an intentional yet relaxed summer season.
Til next time….
If you want some personal guidance, encouragement and accountability to live out the values you’ve discovered, I’m here to help. My coaching services are designed with your unique journey in mind. We’ll work together to craft practical strategies empowering you to deepen your connection with God and face life’s challenges with steadiness and faith. Reach out today to arrange a complimentary call and start taking strides toward a more connected Spirit-led life. Email me at lisa@lisacrowdercoaching.com Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
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