Devotion: Playful Summer
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Psalm 150
Imagine waking up before the sun has even risen, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as excitement pulls you out of bed. You slip on your shoes, grab the suitcase carefully packed from the night before, and head out the door for an early morning flight. In the car, your parents rattle off last minute reminders while your mind races ahead to what is to come. Finally, you arrive not just at the airport, but into the warm embrace of a community. It’s 7am but it doesn’t matter. These people make waking up early feel effortless!
This will be the experience of 65 youth and 12 adult leaders setting off for Florida this Saturday. They’re not heading out for vacation; they are embarking on a week of challenging hurricane cleanup. But more than that, they are stepping into a week of purpose, service, and shared community.
In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Michelle explored the concept of cultivating a joyful and playful faith. She reflected on the anchors of our faith, the Ten Commandments and Jesus, and how they continually draw joy into our lives. She also shared a moment from Summer Serve, where middle school youth were packing food for the local food bank. A middle school boy turned to her and said, “Is this supposed to be fun? I don’t know if it’s supposed to be, but it sure is!” This lighthearted comment highlights the importance of embracing a playful spirit, even amidst busyness. Pastor Michelle reminded us of the vital need to remain grounded in our true anchor, Jesus, especially during the hectic summer season.
Our high school youth leaders beautifully embody this joyful and playful approach to faith. Radiating the essence of a childlike faith to all they encounter. Their eagerness to learn more about the Lord and to serve others with open hearts is inspiring. These mission trips are about more than just travel. They are opportunities for our youth to grow in their understanding of faith. Moreover, a safe community for them to be able to play in various modalities. Our youth are blessed with the ability to play by serving the communities of Florida, to play via prayer, devotion, and meditative practices, to play through conversations about life, and to play by experiencing the world through a lens of wonder, humility, and deep spiritual curiosity.
Psalm 150 resounds with a call to praise the Lord in every context and circumstance. It is a vibrant reminder of what worship can be, joyful, energetic, and even playful. This Psalm encourages us to engage our whole selves in praise, celebrating God with music, movement, and delight. Our youth and adult leaders will embody this spirit as they lead with enthusiasm, creativity, and a heart full of joy. In every song sung, every service act completed, and every moment shared, they will proclaim God’s goodness in a way that Psalm 150 reminds us of!
Dear God,
Thank You for the generosity, encouragement, and faithful support of this congregation. It is because of this community’s faithfulness, 65 youth and 14 adult leaders can step into a week of service, growth, and worship on this mission trip. Lord, bless their travels with safety. As they face hurricane damage and hard work, may they find strength in You, their true anchor. And in moments of laughter, prayer, conversation, and service, may they discover the beautiful mystery of what it means to praise You in all things! Amen.
Written by Cambry Waddell
Cambry Waddell grew up through the many ministries at Sheridan, leading Sunday School with her mother throughout High School.
Currently, Cambry serves as the Youth Ministry Intern, where she works with middle school and high school youth through Bible Studies, Youth Group and more. This fall she will finish her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.