We made it to the end of another school year! Phew!

Summer is always a good time for me to PAUSE (and rest), REFLECT (and evaluate) PLAN (and dream for the year ahead).  At the end of the school year I am always ready for a little break. But it didn’t take long for God to remind me that He does NOT take a summer vacation and is still prompting my heart.

It feels so good to pause after a full, hectic year. For me, summer is an opportunity to change gears a bit, relax and reflect back on the activities of the year, and the people who I have been blessed to have in my life.

Being a part of the day-to-day activities of Every Neighborhood Partnership is extremely rewarding. I have the opportunity each day to witness the incredible ways servant-hearted people from our churches and community are investing in our kids, our schools and our neighborhoods!

This past week I was at a year-end-celebration and watched a group of mentors speak into the lives of the children and families they have been building relationships with this past school year.  One of the very powerful messages that was shared: “Put God First, Do your Best (in everything you do) and Be a Blessing to Others.  WOW!  Imagine what our lives would look like if we ALL did that!

I know, without a doubt, that God brings people into my life to encourage, challenge and motivate me to seek God, do my best and be a blessing! I also know that God brings people into my life, and wants me to do the same!  But it’s summer . . . doesn’t that mean I get a break?  I discovered the answer to that question in once single day last week – on the last week of school

Opportunities that I could not ignore:

Take time and listen to that mom who confessed that she was really struggling this past week and appreciates the way you have spent time encouraging her daughter this year.  Is there opportunity there to build a deeper relationship with that mom and mentor her as well? (I will connect with her!)

What about the girl who confessed she almost got kicked out of high school this year because her grades were really bad and she has had a bad attitude at school.  She starts summer school this week.  Now I have the opportunity to mentor her these next couple months and remind her that she is capable and I believe in her!  (I will do that!)

Go encourage that family who is so proud of their 6th grade son who was just promoting to 7th grade. Every time the principal called his name, his family would cheer.  When he received a certificate they ALL stood up and cheered and several walked toward the stage to take his picture – all with huge smiles on their faces and a few tears.  (Must confess, some of those tears were mine!)  After the program ended  I told them how encouraged I was to see how proud they were of their son.  I didn’t think their smiles could get any bigger but they did!  The boy’s father said to me, “I haven’t always been the best dad, but he has been the BEST son!  We are SO proud of him.”  By then, we are all crying!

It was a good day.  No, it was a BEAUTIFUL day with open doors to deeper relationships.

I can still PAUSE, I will REFLECT, and I can PLAN for the year ahead.  The pace will slow, and it will be good, but my eyes and ears will be open to the people and opportunities God places in my path . . . all year long!