Summer Rhythms

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Summer is here or nearly here in the world of academia.

What does this mean for you?

For some of us, that means our teaching or class load might decrease while our research load increases. It might mean a slight break, or, if not a break, at least a different rhythm to our work. It might mean different connections within our communities as people take off for vacations or visits home in the coming months.

I was always overly optimistic about what I would accomplish over these three months. Without any classes or associated work, I thought I could finish all the projects I set out for myself. Yes, I could reorganize my office, clean out files, finish that writing project (or two), start a new hobby, go on vacation, have friends over for weekly meals, read my growing stack of books, walk more, eat better . . . .  And the list could go on.

There’s something about summer that makes it seem like so much is possible. Maybe it’s the longer days, along with memories from those seemingly never-ending childhood summers.

However, I often find that at the end of the summer, and I know I’m not alone, I haven’t accomplished most of the list. If I have, then I’m exhausted by not taking the opportunity to rest well. There was no time for everything.

So, I’ve started to look at my summer rhythm more realistically and give myself a lot more grace. Perhaps I’m starting to recognize the wisdom shared by the writer of Ecclesiastes – there is a season for “every activity under heaven.” And the limits on my time are good. They help me to trust in God more than myself, and to delight a bit more in each day and the work and rest it offers.

Here are some areas to consider when planning your summer.

Rest. How will you take time to slow down this summer?  Perhaps you can adjust your daily schedule a bit.
Pray. A Christian scholar is a scholar who prays. How will you spend time with God this summer?
Relate. How will you stay connected with people – or build your community?
Read. What one or two books do you want to read for enjoyment?  What books for your research or classes do you want to catch up on?
Work. What needs to get done this summer?  What are reasonable expectations?
Walk. How will you include movement and the outdoors in these months?  Both are so healing for our bodies, minds, and souls.

Blessings as you consider the best rhythms for you this summer.