If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:37b-38
I am watching game 1 of the College Baseball World Series between Texas and Louisiana State. It is being played in Omaha, Nebraska, which is under a heat advisory. It is 8:30 CST and the temperature is 90 degrees with 74% humidity. I am told it feels like 107 degrees. The starting pitcher from Texas left the game in the sixth inning because of dehydration.
With summer now upon us this example is a stark reminder for all of us that we need to stay hydrated. Water makes up 60% of our body weight. It is recommended that most of us should drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of fluids every day. This amount will, on average, replace the amount of body fluids we lose each day through breathing, sweating, etc. If we exercise, we should drink more fluids because we will lose more. Each of us should monitor our fluid intake all of the time, not just during the summer months. Staying hydrated is crucial.
Not only do we need to stay hydrated physically we should also keep hydrated spiritually, especially during the summer months. Why do I say this? Most of the spiritual activities we use to nurture ourselves take a sabbatical during the summer months.
Most parishioners increase their family activities whether it is vacations or children sports, camps, etc. Because of this dynamic churches traditionally take a break when school lets out for the summer. Sunday school classes end to give the dedicated teachers a needed break. Bibles study groups also take a break. Choirs rest their vocal chords. Other than worship and an occasional mission opportunity our chances to be nourished spiritually as a group are extremely limited.
My ministerial Bible study group continues to meet during the summer; those who can show up. Sometimes we might only have two or three people but we find it spiritually enriching and socially fulfilling. We realize that the biblical stimulation we receive from each other is very rewarding.
As your minister, I have decided to begin holding Bible study again on Wednesday evenings beginning in July. Those who can, please join me. We will nurture ourselves with the living water provided to us by God’s Living Word, the Bible. If your schedule does not permit it, I pray that you are able to fill yourself spiritually in other ways.
It’s easier for us to keep hydrated by continuing to drink. Don’t’ let your spiritual life go on “vacation” this summer. Continue to feed your soul. I’ll do my best to help you to continue to drink from the well.
