It’s been a week or so since we got home from vacation … and I’m exhausted! Don’t get me wrong, our family vacation is always a highlight, not just of the summer but of the entire year. We look forward to it and always have a great time. And last week was no exception. It was a blast! But sometimes, vacations can be tiring!

Many of us make time for a summer vacation, and while yours may or may not be a time to relax, as we get into the dog days of summer, I’m reminded of how much we all need times and seasons where we simply slow down, hit a lower gear, and find intentional time to breathe.

In the rattle and hum of everyday life, we too easily get swept away by the mad rush of life – the unrelenting pressure, the hurry, worry, anxiety and fear. No wonder, for so many of us, there is a lack of peace, purpose and joy in our lives.

What is the antidote to a life strung out by “too much and too fast”? May I suggest a “Summer Sabbath”?

When we hear the word ‘sabbath,’ we naturally think of Sundays. But the idea of sabbath rest is about finding and committing to intentional time with the Lord – creating a rhythm of rest in Him – whatever day of the week that happens to be. The Sabbath is deeply rooted in God’s original plan for creation, setting aside the seventh day as a gift to us, that we might rest in Him.

Practicing sabbath reconnects us to the Father’s love. It allows us space and time to linger with Him. It restores our soul, and reminds us of our Savior, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.  It helps to usher us into the abundant life Jesus promised. It also reminds us that we are human beings, not ‘human doings,’ and we may not be as important to our world as we think we are (which is a good thing!)

A Summer Sabbath might look like a long walk in the neighborhood, going to a park, sitting on the back deck, gathering around a summertime bonfire, catching lightning bugs with a kid.

But it’s something that we must intentionally choose, because, the truth is, nothing in this world will encourage us to slow down.

So – how about it? What would finding and committing to a sabbath rhythm look like for you this summer?

Honestly, I could say a lot more about this, but I think I’ll go take a walk.