Summertime Spirituality

It’s Personal blog
Summer is the time when many people take a break from the routine – from work, from school, and, yes, even church.

The warmer temperatures and longer days of summer make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, and the slower pace gives us time to relax and engage in leisure activities. Many of us go on vacation to the beach, the mountains, the woods or some other quiet, natural setting.

But whatever you do, wherever you go, be sure not to take a break from God. Be a good steward of your relationship with the Almighty and use the summer to your spiritual advantage. Here are some ways to grow closer to God.

Meditative prayer. Mystics and sages know that prayer doesn’t have to have words and formulas. Meditative prayer is quiet and ideally suited for a restive spot in nature. Use inspiration from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

And it’s easy. Here’s how: Find a comfortable spot to sit and relax. Then breathe slowly, focusing on the air as you inhale and exhale. As you breathe, clear your mind of thoughts. Be still and know that God is God, that God is with you, and God is giving you peace and joy. It may take practice, but meditative prayer is a wonderful way to draw close to God..

Nature appreciation. God made creation, and if you go to the woods or the beach, you can draw close to God simply by appreciating the joys and wonders of the natural world.

Here’s how: When you walk, drive or bicycle, be particularly aware of your surroundings. Think of how you would view the scenery if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors, the textures, the shapes, the smells and the variety of life and landscape around you.

When you discover something that delights you, say a prayer. “Thank God for … this flower, this leaf, this animal, this sunset, this cloud …. Whatever it may be.

Spiritual reading. Along with the latest John Grisham thriller or Danielle Steele romance, be sure to pack some spiritual reading material. As for me, I have some resources that keep my soul well watered:

Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton. While a Trappist monk in Kentucky, Merton wrote vivid, deep reflections on the spiritual life.

Awareness and Other Perils of Reality, by Anthony de Mello. An Indian-born Jesuit priest, de Mello has a decidedly Eastern slant on Christian spirituality.

The Gospel of Luke. Luke presents Jesus as an earthy soul, full of compassion and forgiveness. He speaks to my soul.

I can also recommend the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer entitled, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. A Lutheran pastor in Germany who bravely opposed Hitler, Bonhoeffer is celebrated as a faith hero of the 20th century. He was executed by the Nazis. His story is amazing!

Do you have a  practice or a resource to recommend? Please share it.

Have a great summer, practicing good stewardship of your relationship with God!

(Flickr image by Paul Aloe used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)