This week, we are experiencing a heat wave in Europe. It will be at least 35 degrees Celsius each day. Just a reminder for those who have forgotten: air conditioning is very rare in Europe – so rare that it could be classified as an endangered species. I may end up driving around in my car to avoid the heat.
Since the week is going to be hot and I am concerned for your well-being, here are my thoughts on staying cool:
- Keep the blinds closed and the fans on. Yep, don’t let the hot air in. Rooms might seem a little darker, but it beats the alternative: having hot air flow in.
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water. It’s amazing how dehydrated you can get in this weather and not notice, so keep water handy.
- Avoid going outside in the peak heat of the day. Schedule your activities for early morning or evening and do things when it’s cooler.
My advice is hardly new and you might not find
it that helpful. In fact, you could probably provide some better suggestions. But
by simply listing these things, I have gotten you thinking about ways to stay a
little cooler this week. I have momentarily helped you to focus on something
you already know but perhaps need to put into practice.
Our daily Bible reading is often like this. Many times, we are tempted to
wonder if it’s helpful since we already know the story or the verse. However, those
verses often stay with us for the day. They serve to remind us of God’s nature
or provision. His Word is more than just helpful or thoughtful writing.
He promises that his Word will be at work in us.
So is my
word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to
me empty,
but will accomplish what I
desire
and achieve the
purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
Scripture is far more powerful (and important) than
any list of suggestions we might find helpful off the internet. God’s Word is
actually working to accomplish a purpose in us. So don’t neglect the daily
ritual, even in the hot weather. His Word goes deeper than you realize.