Restored: My Hope for This Summer (Spring 2023 Seasonal Review)

It’s quiet here at the harbor, with a gentle salt breeze and a calm ocean. Little pink wildflowers sprawl along the rocks that reach the water’s edge. The sky goes from a hazy gray to a clear blue as the sun comes out, shining upon the moored boats. A sailboat cuts through the sea’s glossy surface, leaving little ripples in its wake.

Here at the harbor, it feels like summer.

Another season of my life has come to a close. I’ve reached the end of my third season in track, my freshman year in high school, my fifteenth spring in life.

Time flies by faster every year.

But every year, I’m just so tired.

And maybe that’s why God gave us summers. Because somewhere in the warmth of the sunshine and the walks by the shore, somewhere in the long summer days and quiet star-filled nights, somewhere in the voices joined in worship and the times of fellowship…

Somewhere in all of that, there are reminders of Him.

And at this time, you may have felt more than ever the whisper—or perhaps cry—of your heart saying, “I need a break.” I’ve definitely felt that over this past spring.

But now, we’ve reached the finish line.

And I hope that you can also hear the voice of our Father saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Talking about rest

A couple weeks ago at my youth group, we each received a metal charm and stamped into it a word that we felt called to remember. I chose the word “restored.”

And something felt satisfying about pounding those letters into the silver charm. Restored. It’s a word that I want not just etched into that charm, but engraved upon my heart. It’s a word that I want to live out.

Because when I look back on where I’ve been, and even where I am, I see a need for restoration.

Back in March, I said that I wanted this spring to be a season for growth, and yet… Throughout my track season, I saw a lot of negative progress. I had started out weaker than I finished. My physical health also regressed, and even my spiritual and mental health feels a bit drained.

But I’ve realized that growth can take on so many different meanings. It’s a lot more than what’s on the surface. Maybe my body is weaker, but maybe in all that weakness my faith will grow. And maybe in all that weakness there’s still a soul that continues to say, “I’ll keep pressing on.”

But maybe it feels like your soul has begun to break.

“I’ll keep pressing on.”

There’s strength in pressing on, but there’s a certain growth that comes with recognizing when you need rest. Because truly, seeking rest means setting aside your anxieties and trusting that you can experience restoration.

And for your soul, seeking true rest lies in Him alone.

Talking about nourishment

Sometimes, the weakness and exhaustion seems like all that is familiar. There have been times when I’ve asked myself, “Will my legs ever feel strong again?” And I’ve forced myself into phases when waking up and not feeling pain feels unusual—maybe even wrong.

Between my iron deficiency a year ago and my vitamin-D deficiency right now, I’ve learned that I don’t need just rest, but also nourishment.

Because nourishment will help the broken parts start healing, and nourishment will replenish the emptiness. Nourishment will provide you with the strength to keep going, and without it…

Without it, every step down life’s road will feel so much harder.

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

~JOhn 6:35, NKJV

The nourishment for an empty, weary soul can only be found in Him. And I know that in all the noise of this life, it’s easy to get distracted. It’s easy to ignore the longing for something to fill the void. It’s easy to hide that hunger by forcing yourself to carry on.

But sometimes I have to just stop. Sometimes I have to tell myself that I’m free.

This summer, I want to take the time to feed my weary soul with His truths. And I would encourage you to do the same. <3

Looking back on spring

I’m sharing about what I did this spring in bullet points (because I love lists, haha):

• I explored Colorado. I wrote all about the beautiful sights and amazing experiences from the trip in this post.
• My first officially published article went live. You can find it here on TheRebelution.com.
• I ran my third track season. This was not an easy season for me, but even with the health struggles (injury and vitamin deficiency), I had a couple exciting races. Some of my favorites were breaking a major time goal in the 3200 and getting 2nd place in an 800. But I’m the most grateful for my 4×800 relay team, especially since we made it all the way to section finals!
• I finished my second half marathon. Yesterday I ran the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, and it’s fair to say that now I’m more than a little sore (and you’ll probably read more about it later).
• I wrapped up freshman year. After a blur of final tests and projects, it’s hard to believe that my first year in high school is done, and it’s even harder to believe that I’m a sophomore now!
• I finished my first year of being an Awana leader. I helped out with the kindergarteners at my church’s Awana program, and it felt so fulfilling to help the younger kids learn more about the Bible and God’s love.

I also want to hear about your spring. What was your favorite part, and what are you looking forward to as summer approaches? I’d love to see your answers in the comments below!

This season has brought a lot of endings. But when one road ends, another one begins. I’m praying that we’ll all feel restored this summer as we prepare for something new.