Coach's Corner

Rest this summer…but don’t coast!

The summer months provide a great opportunity to refresh, refuel and refocus on what's most important in life. In Canada we spend a great deal of time during the winter months 'dreaming about the summer' and imagining what we'll do when we feel the sun's heat again. So, what are your plans this summer now that you have defrosted from our Great Canadian Winter? The heat of summer is here ... right now!

I hope you take some time to 'refresh, refuel and refocus' yourself. Life is pretty crazy busy these days and taking time to 'get centered again' is a must. Trips to the park, walks at night, barbecues in the backyard and maybe even some time to read that book that's been staring at you for the past 6 months, might be just what you need! The Bible talks about a principle that is very much part of the rhythm of life - it's known as 'Sabbath.' Sabbath is that 'pause button' that we have been invited to hit every seven days in our lives. It serves like a reset button intended to help us 'refresh, refuel and refocus.' God is pretty serious about Sabbath - he pressed the pause button himself as a model for us to follow. If God saw the need for a 'reset button' then it must be a pretty good idea. He was so serious about it and understood our design and the rhythm of life that he put it in his top 10 list as a commandment to obey. How are you doing these days with promoting Sabbath in your life?

We're better off if we withdraw daily, detach weekly and escape annually for a time in our lives that is just for us. Reorientation is required on a regular basis if we are to stay on course. The gravitational pull of life tends to be such that it takes us away from the center - from the things which matter most. Good habits are easy to give up and destructive ones are hard to quit - why is that? I can't think of a more beneficial habit that we should cultivate then the one of integrating Sabbath into our lives. Jesus said; 'we were not made for the Sabbath, but Sabbath was made for us.' It is intended to serve us so we can lead lives that are meaningful and 'on-purpose.'

This summer, take time for Sabbath, but make sure you fill those 'pause moments' with thoughts about God and his design for your life. Give yourself this summer to rest, recreation and relaxation, but may it all be done so that you can be at your best for God - leading a life that follows him closely! Make sure you find yourself in a regular place of private and public worship - worship is good for the soul and part of our divine design!

Yours for enjoying the heat of the sun and the companionship of God's Son - Jesus. Make sure you find yourself in a regular place of private and public worship - worship is good for the soul and part of our divine design!

Dave Larmour

Posted July 01, 2007