What Recharges YOU?
One of my favorite things about summer is having time to read! I love books and I love setting aside time each day to read. It is not as though I don’t read during the other seasons but there is something very special to me about summer reading…it might be the opportunity to read for pure pleasure or maybe it’s the memories that come to mind as I sit for an hour in the afternoon sun and read a novel. I love to listen to audio books, podcasts and learn about the lives of interesting people. We just spent hours in the car last week listening to a dramatic presentation of the life of C.S. Lewis during the war, then we listened to the unabridged audiobooks of Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. My mind was challenged to think outside the box and was filled with mind boggling questions. I am RECHARGED by having my mind opened up to new ways of thinking and discovering concepts about life and eternity. C. S. Lewis was a brilliant thinker, philosopher and a strong enthusiast for the cause of Christ. He was creative and innovative and every book I have ever read that he authored has shaped my life in a positive way.
Right now I am reading a book called Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald.
This week I read and reread a passage in the bible from Isaiah 55:1-13 that the author used to impress upon his readers that a good way to insure finishing strong in one’s life is to look for and follow people who are passionately acknowledging the greatness of God. Those people find a complete satisfaction in following God and they believe in the absolute truth of the bible that produces confidence, teaches forgiveness and transforms their lives. I am RECHARGED when I remember to find delight in God’s work and when I keep my eyes open to the greatness of God. I want my life to be a memorial to God, a testimony to the faithfulness and greatness of God! I want to exude JOY and help RECHARGE others with my encouragement and faith.
One of my favorite C.S.Lewis quotes is “Joy is not complete without the expression.”
Some of my other favorite ways to RECHARGE…..
Listening to music
Getting exercise-biking, hiking, tennis, yoga, swimming
Eating healthy summer fruits and veggies and having BBQs
Spending time with friends
Playing with my grandkids
Walking on the beach
Watching the stars
Trying new recipes
Serving the poor and needy
Visiting older folks and listening to their life stories
Helping a friend in need
Learning something new
Is there some way we can remain RECHARGED throughout the entire year by the habits we establish in the summer? Why do we allow the tyranny of the urgent to distract us from the things that give us joy and fill us with energy and passion? How can we stay committed to the things that RECHARGE us so that we can continue this more balanced healthy lifestyle all year long?
