Though technically it is not here yet, the feel of summer is. For everyone, summer means different things. For me, it meant hanging out with friends, float trips on the Boise River, family vacations and summer jobs. Even though my “care-free” days of summer have long been replaced with my role as a functioning citizen and responsible adult, I still remember the excitement of cleaning out my school locker and the weight that was lifted as the shackles and burdens of the educational system came to an end. In those times, all my thoughts centered on what I could do now that I had the time. I don’t think I was alone in that feeling.
What will you do with your summer? Here are some suggestions.
1. Be careful with your free time. Excessive free time is a breeding ground for poor choices. Having good options for play and recreation or structured chores and things to accomplish can help curb the boredom. This is true for both adults and children. Even in paradise God gave man work to do (Gen 1:28; 2:15, 19).
2. We don’t vacation from the church. I am not saying don’t vacation. Families need that time together. However, while on vacation remember to worship on Sunday. Show your family that it is important. If you are in a remote area camping, on a cruise or in an area where you cannot find a congregation of the Lord’s body, have a worship service as a family. Invite others to join you. It is a great way to show your children your faith and devotion to God (Heb. 10:23-25).
3. Include spiritual and service activities on your list of things to do this summer. There are a lot of activities happening with the congregation during the summer months. Get involved and use some of your time for the work of the church. Great spiritual benefits are found in the service to others for the glory of God. If there is a reading list from the school or the teachers, add the Bible to that list. Do a report on a Bible book or character (Rev. 2:19).
4. Make time to do more as a family. There are a lot of things that pull us in all directions. With school out of the way, use some of that time to regroup as a family. That may mean family “unplugged” time. That is, time were you all engaging in something (dinner, board games, card games, dominos) without the distraction of anything that plugs in.
There are no seasons when our service should wane, but rather we are to be ever ready to serve the King (2 Tim. 4:2). Make the most of the great opportunities that lay before you.