No early morning alarms, carpool lanes, and homework projects. The unscheduled—or less scheduled—days of summer have begun!
You and your kids will enjoy the summer days ahead. Even for those who work outside the home, summer life is usually slower and vacations are ahead. Plan to enjoy the great gift of family this summer!
These months offer some opportunities to help your children spiritually as well. They might not be in a classroom, listening to teachers—but they are listening.
How can you help them hear a lot and experience a lot of Jesus this summer?
5 Ways to Invite Jesus into Your Summer
1. Invite Jesus into your day and expect him to come.
Every day can start with a prayer, with all the kids or one-on-one, that includes their requests for the day and thoughts of others. But a very important part of those prayers is watching to see how they are answered. Those answers will prompt some great “Jesus” conversations this summer.
2. Fill your home and car with Christian music.
There is so much to learn about Christ and experience through music. Tune your television and your radio to music that glorifies the Lord. Your kids will learn a lot from the lyrics and hopefully sing some of those thoughts and words to Jesus.
3. Help your kids serve Jesus and others.
They can read books about Jesus to younger kids and answer their questions. They can help with a VBS or at a mission. They can shop with you for others, mow an elderly person’s lawn, or, for someone who’s not able, walk their dog. If you pray for a chance to serve, Jesus will answer that prayer, and your kids will learn the sacrifice and blessing of helping others.
4. Develop Jesus habits.
You probably spend more time with your kids during their days in June, July, and August. It’s a good time to work on the basics.
A lot of “good” manners are also “God” matters. Connect the two.
- Running ahead to hold the door for the mom with the baby carrier or stroller.
- Reaching things from the shelf at the grocery store for the person in the motorized cart.
- Noticing the person in line who needs to go first.
- Responding to others with respect, even when that same respect has not been returned.
- Handing a water bottle or fast-food voucher to the person with the cardboard sign.
I’m sure you can think of more!
Family habits can become Jesus habits. Just connect the behavior with the One you are really serving.
5. Finally, Mom and Dad, simplify and set apart your summer for Christ.
We all want our kids to walk with and serve Jesus. Truthfully, the most important way to invite Jesus into your kids’ summer is to invite him into yours. If your kids see you find joy in Jesus, serve Jesus, study and speak to Jesus, chances are, they will too.
Faith and spirituality will be caught, as much as taught. If your kids know you need Jesus, they will likely realize they do too.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Celebrate these wonderful days we call summer! Some of your best family times are just ahead. So take a few minutes now to pray that those moments will include the presence of Jesus, and those family times will become eternally greater.
Bless all of you as you work to raise your children to know and love the Lord!
