End of Summer Blues?

I read somewhere that there is a girl who begins to celebrate Christmas on July 5th every year! That is absolutely crazy, however there is something to be said for having something to look forward to. 

As we come to the end of summer, it can be a bittersweet period because it means we have to change our routine and things get busier. At least that’s how it is for me. The kids begin fall sports. I begin to teach again. And the days at the pool, trips to the beach, or just doing projects around the house are no longer possible. 

But in some ways I love this change of pace. It means more structure and purpose to our days. There are fun events and cool weather to look forward to. Have you ever noticed that when there is something in the future we are excited about, it is easier to keep our spirits up. When I have something to look forward to, like a trip, an exciting shoot, or event, I have a lot easier time being motivated and productive, staying focused on goals, and maintaining an attitude of gratefulness. 

This is good, but I have realized that if that is what is driving me, when that event comes and is over, my spirits plummet. What is truly the answer is not being driven by temporal experiences and events, but by eternal truth. Read more on that here.

As a believer in Jesus, I always have something in front of me, and all around me, to give hope and make me joyful. It reminds me of the goodness and excitement of what I will one day have.

I look forward to the return of Jesus when God will restore everything to himself. I can actually rejoice right now in seeking the Kingdom of God and looking for what he is doing around me. I can be motivated by things even when they are hard. I say I can do this, because I do not always do this. But it can take only a few seconds to turn back to Jesus and say “Lord, I am abiding in you and He will help me to see what he is doing.

Just to be clear I’m not talking about looking on the bright side or living on the sunny side of life. That is temporary and shallow. This is a deep hope that lives within all believers. And if we ask, that’s the key, if we ask, He will give us that joy. He will help us to see with eyes that are like His. 

So as the end of the summer approaches, let’s ask God to help us see how he sees. We don’t need to look forward to Christmas as in presents and decorations, but we can look forward to what Christmas actually means – the presence of God on earth. We have a God who left the throne of heaven, which is magnificent where He had all power and was completely satisfied. He left that to come and be with us, little peons that he created. I say peons in a loving way because we are God’s precious gifts. We are his inheritance. 

So to think about the fact that we have a God who loves us so much that He went to the cross knowing He would experience the worst pain, heaviest burden, and a hardship that no mere human could bare in order to make us His people, His Kingdom not some huge castle or riches and gold, but souls that adore him and will for eternity brings a deep fulfillment that is unshakeable. We can relish in his presence and enjoy it right now.

Comment below to share how the Lord has made his presence real to you or something that helps you to stay motivated during this time of year.  I would love to hear from you.