Lazy Days of Summer

Reality check!?! Summer is flying by and before we know it school will be starting for many. How has your summer gone so far? If you are like me, it has gone fast and been busy. For most of us, it seems our summer weekends are booked long before summer starts. They are filled with vacations, family reunions, weddings, and more.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” We often think that winter brings an opportunity to slow down as the weather keeps us indoors. However, summer is the season to engage in slowing down as well. We can spend our days soaking up the sun. We often think we need to go, go, go because the weather is nice. But, it is just as important to slow down and keep our life in balance.

There are many simple summer activities that can keep our days fun and entertaining for ourselves and the kids. Here are some of my favorites:

• Reading a good book
• Board games on the back deck
• Lemonade stand
• Backyard camping
• Backyard games
• Outdoor movie
• Running through the sprinkler
• Bike rides
• Gardening
• Small hike on nature trails

Whatever you find to do with your lazy days of summer, just make sure that you spend some time slowing down. It is not always about jet-setting on the next three-week vacation nor back-to-back sporting events for the kids. God intends us to enjoy his creation. I encourage you to do it in its simplest manner. 

Contributed by Jessica Clemens