If you are having trouble managing the temperature (Literally and Metaphorically speaking) right now, you are not alone. The best way to protect ourselves from the effects of excessive heat is hydration. Let me suggest some spiritual hydration to help you get through these fading summer days and the months ahead that might make our collective blood boil. Hydrate.
- Begin your day with scripture. If you don’t have a standard practice, explore the Pray-As-You Go app. It’s available at no charge and can be accessed on your desktop or your phone. There are daily scripture readings and thought-provoking questions that bring them to life at this moment for each of us. In addition, there are segments for stress and anxiety, for walks, and more. Visit https://prayasyougo.org
- Several courses are still available this summer through the NCCUMC Lay Servant Ministries Program. They include Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (August 2), Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries (August 9), Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (August 16), and Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century (August 23). Visit https://nccumc.org/laity/
- There are exciting courses such as A Life Worthy of the Gospel, Mental Illness and the Church, Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition, Come to the Table, Creative Praying Through Scripture, Music, and Art, The Suicide Bridge, and many more available online with schedules that vary in August. Visit https://beadisciple.com
- Volunteer! If your church does not have an active outreach ministry right now, join a neighboring congregation and get about the work that grounds us! The world needs the light of Jesus right now, and they can see him living in YOU…but they have to SEE YOU.
- ADVOCATE! The best way to feel like you are making a difference is through effective and meaningful advocacy for policies that will help our most marginalized sisters and brothers in Christ. Find out how you can dip your toe or your whole body into a sea of support here…Serve & Advocate | United Women in Faith
- Read a Great Book! There are plenty out there that could feed your heart and mind. If you need help getting started, explore- United Women in Faith – 2025 Reading Program Catalog D11304.
- Walk off the stress! The Sound is surrounded by gorgeous bodies of water, from the Tar River and the Neuse on the West to the Core, Pamlico, and Bogue Sounds on the East…and finally the Atlantic Ocean. Walk by the water this summer. Walk with Jesus and feel his presence as the sea birds squawk and the sanderlings scurry along the shoreline. The consistency of the tides reminds us of the faithfulness of our God. Spend some time there this summer.
Taking care of our own temperatures, this summer is the most important work we can do right now. We are disciples in the making! We will take two steps forward…and fall two steps behind as we try to draw closer to our Savior. In the words of Adam Hamilton, “We can be BOTH faithful AND flawed in our discipleship.” Let your friends, your family, and your neighbors see it all. Together, we can make a difference in the temperature while introducing people to a life with Christ.