31 of 52 Voices August 15, 2014
The C3 Leaders devotion is a peer weekly reflection from business leaders related to their journey with Christ. Each weekly devotion will be written by a different author from among the C3 Leaders community.
As we go through this next year together, we pray that these words and reflections will encourage you in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
By Ward Tanneberg, President of CASA Network
Coasting Through Summer
Summer for the viticulturist is a period in the growing process known as “coasting.” A time for removing excess growth from the vine, for maximizing sunlight on the grapes, for making sure maturing fruit remains healthy until harvest. Coasting is about keeping going on acquired momentum. Just not forever.
For business leaders and other professionals, summer often looks pretty much like any other season. Appointments, long hours, scrambling to meet quotas, keeping one eye on the competition and the other on targeted goals. In the spaces that remain, you somehow squeeze a round of “golf for a good cause,” show up for the kid’s summer games, go to church on Sunday, and (gasp!) there’s those much needed family vacations!
So while life seems to be flashing by, here’s one of the best things you can do for you this summer. Let your spirit “coast.” Carve out intentional times for reflection. Ask yourself the question, “Is the One who created me pleased with the way I’m turning out?” ‘Coasting’ is the time to trim back the excesses getting in the way of spiritual growth. Are you letting daily exposure to ‘Son-light’ in through Scripture meditation and prayer? Check out the Spirit’s fruitfulness in your life. What’s it look like? Tasty fruit or dry leaves?
So let’s “coast” a bit further. Try resetting some clear boundaries for your emotional, physical and spiritual vitality to flourish. Tell your wife or a best friend what you’re doing, and why. Yes, I know. You can keep going on your already acquired momentum. But it only takes you so far.
Summer coastings are a valuable part of all our lives. They are intended not only for rest and recreation, but as seasons of preparation. We see the hard work required of harvest, the cold winds of winter, and the rain clouds of early spring. It’s why we include in our summer days times for prayer, reflection and renewal, mix in with our golf game a reading list of books, plan for the seasons that are coming. Summer coastings prepare family and friends, too, for what’s ahead in winters of hardship, disappointment, even death. These seem far away in the warmth of a summer’s day, but they are upon us before we know it. And if we’ve ‘coasted’ well, we are ready.
Do the right stuff. You have time. The apostle James’ challenge stirs us, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” (James 4:17) The Psalmist lifts us, “Let Your work be seen by Your servants, and Your splendor by their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands — establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:16,17).
So, join me in “coasting” through this summer season. Do it right and we can be true agents of change together, expanding the kingdom of God in culture, commerce and community in our lifetime.