Always seems like summer holds these grandiose plans for relaxation, but somehow you get to August and feel sunburned and more tired.  So far for me, summer has been a messy transition where rest has looked pretty restless.  One day has seamlessly rolled into the next and I don’t have a gage on the last month.  And ironic, or causal, or coincidental, or affectal, it hit me en flight home from a wedding this weekend that I've also been out of sync with God.

Though I tend to buck most “traditional customs” of being in relationship with Him, it dawned on me that some of the more traditional disciplines of Christianity took hold for a reason.  Something of their end brought focus and enjoyment, for a time, to their means.  And if I’m honest, I can’t help but wonder if something of their lacking in my summer living is affecting my synclessness?  I’ve not been attending church regularly.  I’ve not been journaling much.  Serving has been sporadic.  And spending time with God’s Word has been sparse.
 
Am I saying I’ve done something wrong, or not enough right, so am therefore "out of sync?"  No!  I'm a big believer in God having me where I am on purpose, and also Him being at work where(ever) I am.  But, I am saying there’s something to be said for the gift of spiritual disciplines.  There’s something to be said for intentionality and structure and commitment in our relationship with God (or anyone).  You’d think I’d have this down after two years of graduate level study with it, but I don’t.  I’m still learning.

I’m aware that structuring discipline into my summer won’t promise an end, but I’m also aware that sometimes I don’t need an end; just a beginning.