School’s out, the temps are climbing, the sun is shining, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, the hills and the lakes are beckoning, gas prices are killing your vacation plans (sorry, I shouldn’t have reminded you) – it’s summer time! I like summer. Most people do. The pace is generally a little slower and I get more time with my family. It’s not so bitterly cold all the time and I get to enjoy some of my favorite outdoor activities. As a pastor, one of the things I dislike about summer is the tendency some Christians exhibit to take a vacation from God. I don’t mean you shouldn’t take a vacation (we will!), I mean that while we are enjoying the fun of summer, we begin to leave God out of our lives. Some folks stop going to church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Others stop giving or plan to give less (gotta’ pay those gasoline bills!). Still others continue to attend but they drop their commitment to ministry. May I offer some pastoral advice? Don’t let your soul wither simply because the earth is in bloom. Stay connected to the Savior and involved in His church. It’s fine to enjoy the season, just don’t let the season rob you of your vital relationship with the Lord.