There is something sacred about the rhythm of summer.

The days become longer. The pace becomes slower. Families gather. Vacations are planned. Laughter fills backyards, beaches, porches, and parks. And yes — every now and then — we enjoy the blessing of a little splurge.

That, too, is a gift from God.

As New Unity prepares to enter our July Sabbath season, I want to remind us that Sabbath does not mean that life stops. Sabbath does not mean the Spirit stops moving. Sabbath does not mean the river stops flowing.

It simply means the current changes.

Throughout this year, we have spent time walking with the prophet Ezekiel as he witnessed the miraculous river flowing from the sanctuary of God. Everywhere the river flowed, life appeared. What was dry was refreshed. What was barren became fruitful. What seemed beyond hope experienced renewal.

That same river continues to flow among us.

And one of the places where we must allow that river to flow is through the care of the temples God has entrusted to us — our bodies.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
— 1 Corinthians 3:16

Temple Care is not simply a ministry name or a seasonal emphasis. It is a sacred responsibility.

During summer months, it becomes easy to step away from healthy rhythms. Vacations change our schedules. Cookouts change our menus. Travel changes our routines. Rest changes our pace.

And sometimes, if we are honest, celebration becomes overindulgence.

I know this personally.

Like many of you, I understand the challenge of trying to maintain healthy practices. Paying attention to what we eat, caring about our weight, monitoring important health numbers, and making choices that honor our bodies is not always easy.

Summer does not remove that challenge.

Truth is, sometimes summer increases it.

But grace invites us to awareness — not guilt.

One of the simplest gifts we can give ourselves is also one of the most overlooked: water.

Drink water!

The same God who uses water throughout Scripture as a sign of cleansing, renewal, and life created bodies that depend upon water. Proper hydration refreshes us. It supports the systems of the body. It strengthens us for the journey.

A glass of water may not seem spiritual.

But caring for the vessel that carries God’s purpose most certainly is.

So enjoy your summer.

Take the trip.

Sit by the water.

Enjoy family and friends.

Rest.

Laugh.

Celebrate.

But remember — even while we Sabbath, we steward.

Even while we rest, we remain attentive.

Even while we slow down…

the river still flows.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Johnny N. Golden, Sr.
Pastor-Servant-Leader

“The Equipping Ministry — Empowering the People of God for the Work of the Kingdom.”