It’s the beginning of June. Long summer days stretch out in front of us – and most moms are scrambling to find things for kids to do for the next couple of months. I see Facebook pleas everyday for help in finding activities to stave off the cries of “I’m bored!”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time… Ephesians 5:15-16
These verses are my motto for parenting. The time that I have with my son is short, and I want to make sure that I am using these years with him to bring glory to God and to raise a mighty warrior of the faith.
To that end, I try to live by this verse through every season. Here are my goals for summer 2013:
1. Spend more time outside. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and a $10 kiddie pool are my friends.
2. Find ways to meet the needs of our neighbors, including giving part of our garden to our church’s food pantry and having intentional conversations with people we meet while we are out.
3. Make relationships more important than events. Plans are good, as long as they are flexible.
4. Participate in Vacation Bible School at my church, along with other age-appropriate missions opportunities.
5. Have rainy-day plans. Go to the library, play at the children’s museum, paint, color, read books.
And, may I make one more suggestion?
We do not have to micromanage every minute of our kids’ summer.
Give yourself and your kids a bit more grace this summer. It’s okay if they are a little bored occasionally, or if they need to create their own play. Growing up, I spent my summers in our local park, at the homes of friends with pools, on a backyard swingset, and in the garden. I had time to use my imagination, to write stories, and to read books. I got plenty of sunlight and activity each day. I wasn’t a stressed-out kid with an overbooked schedule. Summer was a time to be enjoyed and savored.
I want to look carefully as I walk through this summer with my son. Having God-led goals helps me do that.
What about you? Do you have plans or goals to make the best use of your summer?
