Speaking of hatches and better weather ahead for fly fishing, I've been asked by a number of folks why I don't continue my Bible studies over the summer.  The answer is quite simple: BALANCE.  The STS teaching season usually runs from mid-September through mid-December and then from mid-January through May.  Come June I am super-saturated with writing, preparing for and teaching Bible studies.  Moreover, there is the rest of the ministry to manage while straining out numerous other opportunities to serve as well.  And then, of course, there's the delicate "balancing act" of spending enough time with Erika and Christopher when I'm working most days and a few evenings each week.  

I attempted to teach formal classes over the summer for the first time last year and was routinely reminded not only during this period, but especially when I kicked off my ministry season in September, why the LORD leads me to rest and rejuvenate.  Perfectionist tendencies and "hustling a buck," as my stepdad, Dick, likes to refer to owning and operating a business, have their personal price. 

Yes, the Ghiglia family looks forward to our summer months traveling and camping together and I, especially, relish those serene and wholly-focused-on-nothing-but-the-fish-and-the-fly moments.  My summer sabbaticals are when I am particularly tuned in to the LORD's still small voice, when I "catch visions" for future ministry, catch up on my backlog of books, and preach opportunistically at home and abroad.

If there is any wisdom to be gleaned from this way of thinking I pray we glean it (Jas. 1:5-8).

Charis kai eirene (Grace and peace), Mike