Summer is arriving in the United States! The school year is almost over, pools are open, and people are getting ready to take some much needed time away. Summer can be a time of relaxation and fun. It can also be a time for new experiences and adventures. No matter what a person’s summer holds, I find most people are looking forward to some time to “recharge”.

Recharging is important, and rest and relaxation is a critical part of it. Taking time away from the busyness of everyday life is good for our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. In fact, I believe we are designed to have fun and recreation in our lives. However, I believe there is another element we can add to our lives that is life-giving, will help us recharge, and is perfect for summertime.

What is it? Intentional time to serve someone other than yourself.

This isn’t the first time I have written about the importance and benefits of serving. In previous posts, I have talked about how there is a reciprocal relationship to bringing hope to others. In other words, when you bring hope to someone else, you experience more hope yourself. Similarly, I have shared how giving your life away in service to another feeds our desire for fulfillment. I have examined the difference it makes in the world and the multiplying effect of living a life that produces more life in others.

While all of this is true, today I want to appeal to your desire for experiences and adventure, and the simple opportunity the summer presents.

To some degree, everyone desires experiences and adventure in their lives. Sure, some are more adventurous than others, but I have yet to meet a person who does not want noteworthy and memory making moments in their life. Serving and volunteering is a guaranteed way to make that happen. I have many great moments from vacations, family outings and more, but some of my most vivid and notable memories in life came from serving others. Whether in Nicaragua, my hometown Westminster, MD, or anywhere in between, intentionally helping someone else has produced many stories and life-shaping moments. My life is more exciting and full because I have chosen to spend time volunteering. In my book, Hope Realized, I detail a number of adventures I have taken that would not have happened had I not decided to serve.

When I was a kid, part of what made summer unique was the abundance of free time. As an adult, this is not true–summer is pretty busy. However, another element that makes summer unique remains the same: the chance to try something new without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Thank about it. When you go on vacation, you get to spend time in a new place, taking in what it has to offer, without uprooting your life. This doesn’t have to be a “summer-only thing”, but it is most certainly a “summertime thing”.

What does this have to do with serving? Why not take take advantage of the summer theme of trying something new by trying out serving. Similar to a vacation, you can take advantage of the opportunity to volunteer without making a long-term commitment. This significantly reduces the complexity around serving. With life being as busy as it is, many people are not sure how they would fit in a new, regular commitment. Why not reduce the stress and start with a one-time commitment this summer? More often than not, choosing to volunteer once creates the desire to do it on a regular basis, but don’t worry about that for now. One step at a time. Add some experiences and adventure into your summer by including an opportunity to serve.

Where should you go from here? Just, “take a step”. This is something I recommend in my free resource, 5 Foundational Steps to Make a True Difference in Someone’s Life (click here to download it!). In the guide, I walk you through a number of helpful steps to figuring how you can make a difference, but in this case, feel free to skip ahead to the last step: just take a step! Find an opportunity in your community or sphere of influence to serve someone else and volunteer. It may or may not be the right fit for you, but it gets you into the serving game. Not sure where to find an opportunity? Search for a church or another community organization. More than likely, you will find a way get engaged, whether it is as simple as doing yardwork on a Saturday afternoon or it is a little more involved such as going on a mission or aid trip. The key here is activity not perfection. Just take a step.

Are you looking for an opportunity to insert some new and adventurous experiences into your summer? Do you want this summer to be memorable? Try serving! Adding serving to your summer is sure to provide the life-giving recharge you need!

James Belt

​​Click here​ for more resources to help you bring hope to others!