This period of time, generally embracing the entire month of August, has its origins in centu-ries past, being named after the “Dog Star,” Sirius. It has always referred to the hottest time of the year, the time that is gener-ally known as the most stagnant time of year, marked by a dull lack of progress. In ancient times, Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time "when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, Quinto raged in anger, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, caus-ing to man burning fevers, hys-terics, and phrensies" according to Brady’s Clavis Calendarium,

The Prologue of Tuck Everlasting, set in the first week of August, says: "These are strange and breathless days, the dog days, when people are led to do things they are sure to be sorry for after."

In more recent times, the dog days have taken on a financial significance, as stock markets tend toward their most sluggish time of year during these days. And, the heat, which can become quite oppressive, tends to wear people out more easily, causing us to be “dog tired.” Pastors and other church leaders generally dread the dog days of summer for the same reasons — sluggishness, fatigue, and even people doing and saying things that they may later regret

As a whole, church life tends to slow down during these days, and that includes everything from atten-dance to offerings, to the fulfill-ment of our purpose. The truth is, that we all need a break, and to rest from our labors. God Himself set the standard for that at creation! I am writing these words just hours before my family and I leave for vacation.

But even though our activities slow down, I pray that your spiritual life will not experience “dog days;” may instead you grow this month in the Lord, ready to take on fall with a new vigor!

Pray, Go!
Pastor David L. Pugh