Feeling Refreshed – By Doug Creamer

            It was wonderful to get a break in the summer heat last week. The Canadian front pushed the heat and humidity south and we had a wonderful week to be outside. I was outside almost the entire week. Although I was pulling weeds, I can’t deny that I loved being out there. I have noticed that the heat and humidity have returned, and I will retreat to the cool of our home. It’s August in the Carolinas; heat and humidity are here to stay.

            I was outside working in both the vegetable and flower gardens. I made it out early some mornings and stayed out late into the evenings. When the air felt so refreshing, I didn’t want to come in. I am blessed in my yard to have the woods on the west side. By late afternoon, we have shade across most of our yard.

            It’s been hot since school let out. I haven’t had any desire to work in the yard…that is, until last week. When I got out there I knew I was going to have to do the one thing I really don’t like doing…pull the weeds. The air felt so fresh and clean, I didn’t care. We pulled so many wheelbarrows full of weeds out that I lost count. As we cleared an area, I got some mulch and put it down. Some parts of our yard are looking quite good.

            Don’t misunderstand; there is still plenty that needs to be done. Good gardeners are never finished. There are plants that need to be moved, removed, planted, pruned, etc. There are always plans and dreams of how you want things to look. We have lived here long enough that we have started to rip out things we planted. A gardener’s work is truly never complete.

            You might think I was tired after working outside all week. Well, I have to admit that there are a few muscles, especially in my arms and back, that are complaining, but I am feeling surprisingly refreshed. I think getting a break from the heat and humidity has actually helped me feel better. I also get a certain joy out of being outside working in my yard.

            Life has a way of wearing us down. It is important that we discover ways that we can be refreshed. I know we can be refreshed when we go on vacation, but the reality is we have to work to pay the bills and keep the lights on. How can we be refreshed when life seems to go at breakneck speeds? We all have so many demands on our time. What can we do within our daily routines?

            First, it’s important to discover for yourself what makes you feel refreshed. For my little sister, it’s going for a run. She feels better after she exercises.  Some people need to soak in a tub. Others might like to escape into a good book. Still others might curl up and take a nice nap.  Knowing ourselves is a key to refreshment.

            Second, I believe music has a way of touching our souls. I know the music of our youth has the power to awaken something special in each of us. But the kind of music I am talking about here is the kind that lifts up the Lord. Again, there is such a wide variety of music styles that honors and lifts up the Lord. If old hymns stir your soul, go for it. There is so much new and various styles of worship music out there; find yours and run with it.

            Why does this work? When we lift up the Lord, He is drawn to us. When we are in His presence, we are going to be refreshed. No matter how tired and weary we might feel; one touch from God can completely restore us. When our spirit connects with His Spirit, we will be changed, renewed, refreshed, and restored. Music has the power to move us if we will open our hearts to Him.

            I want to encourage you to seek the Lord for a refreshing touch this week. I believe that God wants to draw closer to you and renew you. I know life is busy and hard, but taking a few moments to do the thing that helps you feel refreshed is important for your wellbeing. Add to that music that honors and lifts up the name of Jesus and you will be refreshed. God wants to be closer to you. When you open your heart in worship to Him, you will sense His presence in a beautiful and wonderful way.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com