Yet, there is a problem. I’m having a hard time getting excited for summer. In fact, I dare say I almost wish it wouldn’t happen. Currently, I’m a little down about work, school, and the opportunities I get to minister to students. In some sense, I’m even questioning my calling. Is this something I want to do for the rest of my life? Can I be happy doing some other profession? Do I even have the skills to get hired in another profession?
If you are experiencing these types of feelings, don’t worry: you’re not alone. You’re actually in good company, and what you’re going through is completely normal. What you are experiencing is what I like to call “Summertime Blues.” The cause? In my opinion, a really long spring semester. I don’t know why, but the spring semester seems to drag out, unlike the fall. It could be the anticipation from all the summer planning, and we’re just ready for it to be over? Or it could be the emotional toll we go through, leftover from Easter, and working with seniors who are about to graduate? Either ways, we may never know; however, there are ways we can combat this attitude so we can be ready for summer!
Take A Vacation
Last year I experienced the blues and my pastor suggested I take an actual vacation. A few days off here and a few days off there are fine, but they don’t have the same effect a solid vacation will provide. We need time away from the office and a chance for God to pour into us. Furthermore, our families need this as well. Finally, make sure to take your vacation before the summer starts. Last year I took mine in late July, but I really needed it before than. Plan accordingly. If you haven’t planned a vacation yet, don’t worry; you still have time to take one before the summer starts!
Go To A Conference
I believe every youth pastor should attend one conference a year. Moreover, I believe it’s even better if you can attend a conference in the fall and spring. Conferences are a great time to worship without responsibilities and a chance to meet new people. Furthermore, they’re opportunities for you to hone your skills and get the creative juices flowing again. If you can, attend a conference that is a couple of days long. I know it can be pricey, but they’re worth. If you don’t have money for it, talk to your pastor about seeing if your church can pay for it, and if not, add it to your budget for next year. Conferences are like camp for adults. Just make sure there’s no purpleing going on, unless your spouse is with you!
Worship At Another Church
Yes, this means you have to take a Sunday off; however, it’s worth it. It’s amazing how refreshed you can be by attending a different worship service. Hearing a different voice and worshiping with a different group of people helps us to refocus ourselves for the future task at hand. Furthermore, it’s a great opportunity to see what other body of believers are doing. When you decide what church you’re going to attend, call the youth pastor up and let him know you are coming. See if they can give you a tour of their church, and if they’ll have lunch with you. Take this time to learn about a different ministry philosophy and see how God is moving among their body of believers. Be willing to worship and learn!
In the end, it’s important to track your spiritual health. Just like we plan events around certain parts of the year, we need to do so with our spiritual care. If you are experiencing the same type of spiritual slumps during a particular part of the year, then the best thing you can do is plan accordingly to combat the slumps. Learn what does and doesn’t work for you so you can get the most out of the way you take care of yourself!
What do you believe causes the “Summer Time Blues?”
What are some conferences you would recommend to attend?
Related articles
The post Summertime Blues appeared first on YouthMin.org.