Rethinking Summer

“Mom do we have to go to church during the summer?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I knew that my child’s question was not a commentary on our children’s ministry but reflective of an attitude God wanted to reveal in our home. The thought that summer is “our time.” The time to do what “we want.” The time designated to have fun, shirk responsibilities, and in some ways take a break from God. Did I just say that?! Yes, God has convicted me about keeping my quiet time during summer “break.”

I remember last year feeling so discouraged as those who returned from mission trips were on fire for Jesus during a time where my walk seemed lukewarm. I remember vowing to not neglect my quiet time the next summer, and here we are three days away from summertime, and I am remembering that vow.

Here are some ideas to help keep God first during your summer vacation. Consider including a devotion time each morning while on your family vacation. This year our family is going to use our summer devotion time to teach the inductive study method to our children, as we work through some popular Proverbs. Be careful to avoid excuses like –  I will get back to His word when I am back in my routine or when my kids are back in school. Don’t just settle for a fiction novel to leisurely read on that long road trip or time in the sun – intentionally grab a book that will challenge you. Jump back in on that chronological reading of your bible or invest in a new devotional.

Don’t do what I did. Don’t disconnect only to find that come August you have allowed your walk to grow stagnant. Let’s be intentional. Not only intentional about having fun but intentional about seeking first His Kingdom. Consider using some of your down time to volunteer at a local organization with your kids or deliver meals to home bound seniors. Consider jumping in on one of those mission trips or volunteering to serve at one of our camps or Vacation Bible School.

Don’t back down. Don’t check out. Don’t take a break from God. But let’s catch up together in August with testimonies of weeks well lived pursuing Jesus even with kids at home, even while the sun was out, even though it may be easier to take a spiritual vacation. Let’s anticipate that God wants to do something big in our families as we choose to put Him first!