Summer School of Life
Grades are not being earned and no one is taking attendance, but learning is most definitely still in full swing this summer. Our kids are learning life lessons in courage at the edge of a diving board and earning points in confidence while making new friends at camp. No matter what season of parenting you’re in, summer is a great time for families to learn and recall how they fit into God’s great story from everyday life lessons like these:
- From the ripest tomato to the buzzing mosquito to the Big Dipper, God designs everything we see, touch, taste, hear and smell. Isaiah 45:12 says, “I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command.”
- We plan family vacations and pool dates with friends in advance, and God planned for our lives too. His plans are full of purpose and always in His perfect timing. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
- Friendships can bloom and wilt over summer months, but true friends are known by their love and commitment to see the best in each other. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” and 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
- Like your family’s favorite barbecue recipe, God gives us all the ingredients we need for courageous living in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
- Relax in your hammock, kick back in front of a good summer flick, rejuvenate with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade. But most of all rest knowing Jesus is doing the heaviest lifting for your hearts and souls: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28 from The Message)
Like sunscreen on your little swimmer’s nose, apply God’s Word to your family’s life liberally and often. Lessons in faith don’t require grade books and attendance records, because God teaches at the heart level anytime, anywhere. Ask Him to show you His ways and invite Him into your daily routines this month. Watch as life’s lessons become diplomas in love and grace for your family.
Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter shares more about her family’s lessons in faith at UnravelGrace.com.