Jimbo's Jots

I have AirPods that I plug into my ears when I want to listen to music or a podcast. Most of the time, I have them plugged in my ears when I’m shopping by myself. I like to have background music. And sometimes I’ll catch myself singing along, not loudly, in the store. But everyone once in a while, the battery dies on one or both of the earbuds. So I have to plug it in to recharge.

I have felt it before! I’m sure you’ve felt it too. You just feel like your battery is drained. No matter how many TED Talks or pep talks you give yourself, you just have nothing left to give. So what do you do to get recharged? For me, there are a couple of events that I’m blessed to attend, not have major obligations and sit or stand and be filled up again. There are small times, mostly connecting to people throughout the year. There are two events that really recharge my spirit.

One of those events was last weekend when I, along with a handful of teens and young adults, went to Gatlinburg for Winterfest. Here are several reasons why I like to go. First, I get some great reconnection time with the teens that go. Just having a small conversation with them away from the normal activity of life is filling for me. Second, worship is a big reason. I have always connected to worship through music. Having someone else lead me and invite me in song to worship recharges me. Third, people. Outside of our own group, Winterfest is a way to reconnect to people from my past. We catch up on what life looks like. Most of these meetups are with other ministers. So to be encouraged by them and to encourage their ministry and personal lives give me energy.

A second event is Elevate at Rochester University. This event is so filling because, again, I don’t have to have a lot of obligations. But I’m given a front row of God’s work in the lives of young people. Since it’s beginning, which 2022 is year 30, one of the goals of Elevate/Summer Jam (the name way back when) is to invite teens to be drawn closer to God. This happens in worship times, but the real work is the small groups in which college students are able to share life and story with the younger students.

What do you use to recharge? Maybe it’s time away from the business of the day with some vacation time. Maybe it’s just traveling to a familiar place or the excitement of going to someplace new. Maybe it’s just the simplicity of coming to a time of worship with your church family each week.

For some it is consistent moments of recharging – daily time of personal or family worship to God. It’s the quiet times of Bible study and prayer at a specific time each day. It is possible that you are not there yet, but this sounds so appealing to your spirit. I suggest you reach out to your local church pastor and get some insight in to starting these plug in moments. It may time for a recharge!

I pray blessings on you as you recharge! Be a blessing to others along the way!