Something New (old) for Summer

Summer is just days away. For many this coming weekend, Memorial Day weekend, marks the start of summer. Schools are letting out, vacation plans are being made, and pools are being readied for a refreshing, entertaining time in the warmer months. What are your plans? Do they include others?  If so, who are you including in your summer plans? Who will you be sharing with this summer?

With so many social media outlets it is easy to keep up and communicate with your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Yet, in this vast array of communication through social media is there not a lost art in our society? Not only an art but a built in communication need, built into each one of us by God Himself. The lost art I am speaking of is that of personal interaction, face to face (in person) interfacing with others. Not the momentary passing in the grocery aisle, or on the sidelines of children’s soccer and little league games. But real extended time with others, quality time, sharing in conversation and why not include some food.

As believers in Christ we have something to share – beyond ball games, food, and gardening tips. Summer is a great time to foster relationships and garner spending time together with others (fellowship). Anytime is a great time but summer affords so many outdoor opportunities, even in your own backyard. And food is always a great way to break down communication barriers. There is something about food that allows people to drop some of the communication defenses otherwise held.

So where do you begin? How do you get the ball of personal interfacing rolling? Why not start where you live? How well do you know your neighbors? Draw a tic-tac-toe board on a piece of paper and write your name in the center block. Then write the names of your neighbors in the surrounding blocks (the person who lives to your right in the middle right block, the person to the left in the middle left block, then continue in like manner). That is eight households you can get to know better in the next three months. And that is just the beginning. You can do the same for work, church, and other life’s avenues.

Start planning and inviting them for a cookout or simply a glass of tea or lemonade in your backyard or on your front porch. It is really that simple. But if you don’t start now, it will never happen. Live your life for Christ. Invite others into your life and watch to see God at work. Who knows you might get the opportunity to share what God is doing in your life. What an encouragement to others simply sharing of your life’s God experiences.

Start today and I’ll be watching for that light tuft of blue smoke coming from your grill, taking in that sweet aroma of food cooking, and listening for the joyous sounds of people communing together enjoying each others company. Personal interfacing with others is so much more enjoyable than the sound of thumbs on a mini keyboard. Plan some no-phone days in your summer personally interfacing with others. Enjoy those God has placed around you!