It's Two Bare Feet on the Dashboard

Summer vacation is almost here. By this time next week, 10:00 at night will not have to be bedtime.

After receiving some good advice around Thanksgiving, I decided this would be my “summer of intention.” As I consider possibilities for ministry in my future, I want to know what it would look like to fill my days with conversations that are meant to encourage, support, and ultimately, point people to Christ. Is there a need for this kind of ministry? And if so, am I built for it?

These are the big questions I hope to chew on this summer. To that end, I am composing a mental list of all the things I want to do this summer. Here’s what I’ve got so far.

Note: Since I still have my teaching job awaiting me in the fall, there needs to be some vacation in the summer of intention; therefore, there are some fun things on here too.

Sit by the pool with my girlfriends.
Regularly meet with two recent high-school graduates before they head off to college.
Go for a jog/walk with Tracey.
Catch up with my long-lost mentor.
Read the ever-growing pile of books on my nightstand.
Visit Campus Outreach students during Summer Beach Project.
Go to a Phillies game (this could be tricky).
Buy an enormous drying rack for my clothes; use the dryer less.
Take a couple former students to the movies with Shannon.
Read, mark and inwardly digest the Bible.
Spend quiet days by myself, allowing the Lord to restore my soul.
Keep working out every day; add morning cardio classes to my regimen.
Miss my workout partner like crazy.
Have coffee and conversation with lots of people.
Try quilting, or at least find a quilting class I can try.
Talk about starting a multi-generational small group for women.
Facilitate the second meeting of the women’s book club.
Tell my story.
Visit old friends.
Be purposeful.
Build houses and friendships with high school students.
Swim in the ocean.