One Last Week of (Semi) Rest...

Hello, friends!

Megan and I were out to dinner last night and it suddenly hit us that July is just about over, which means that August is right around the corner and that school will soon be starting! The summer really has flown by and now it's time to get back to work on campus.

Of course, that's not to say that we haven't been working hard these past few months since the our conferences ended at the end of May. There's been plenty of work to be done; finishing up the year well, planning for the new year, meeting with new ministry partners, praying a ton for students and ministry, and doing what we can do to keep ourselves sharp for what's ahead. In fact, Meg has still been meeting with students and ICF has been having Bible studies over the summer.

The big difference really is the pace. Even though I've been traveling a bunch this summer, the pace of work has been lighter than during the school year. Between August and May, a 40-hour work week is a given. 50 is always possible. If there's a conference or some big event happening, getting up into the 70's and 80's isn't out of the question. During these past few weeks, it's been a much more relaxed pace, which is very much appreciated.

It's not just about the number of hours worked. It's the content of what is actually in each of those hours. During the school year, not only are the hours higher but the hours are much more condensed. It's not uncommon to have meetings back to back to back, meaning that every interaction needs to get to the point as quickly as possible. During the summer, things can be a little more relaxed and time can be a little more relative. There's more space to breathe and pray. There's more time to listen and pick the right words to speak. It's nice.

So, these next few days will be the end of that period before it's time to get going again. Next week we'll be at staff meetings and then it'll be ICF will start it's pre-fall student ministry. Before we know it, it'll be time for students to move back into CoMO and classes will be beginning. Hooray!

Friends, please be praying for us these next few days as we do these last few preparations before the beginning of the semester. Pray that Meg and I will be refreshed and not stressed by the impending school year and that we will be trusting in God with all of our plans.

Have an excellent day!

~Adam