When You Need Some Structure for Summer
5 simple goals to reach for each day with your kids of any age
Greetings Glory Carriers!
It’s been a full month of ministry here at Union Church of Manila on top of two speaking assignments back to back, all with kids being home for summer. Needless to say, I had to put my Substack aside and attend to these other commitments, which from time to time I’ve had to accept must be done. As the saying goes, “Something’s gotta give!”
I suppose that is in the job description of every parent in this age - deciding and discerning the things on one’s plate which are to remain, and those things which must give way for a time or season. It is not always easy to discern, but it is also freeing when we do make those decisions, leaning into our humanity, which comes with limits. We cannot be or do all things to all people. hallelujah. As I get older, I am embracing this truth more and more and am seeking to hone in on those few things which God is calling me to do. There are so many good things, but is it the God thing? A good questions to ask ourselves as opportunities to work and serve and commit come our way.
Structure for Summer
I don’t know about you, but my family has been well into summer for about 6 weeks now. I usually go through the initial stage of panic, wondering how on earth we are going to get through so many ‘unstructured’ days (especially in Manila where there is not a lot of outdoorsy things to do), but then we settle (eventually) into somewhat of a summer rhythm.
This year, together with my four kids (ages 9, 7, 5 and 2.5), we laid out 5 areas we would aim to nourish each day in some way, however great or small, which helped provide some structure and purpose to our days:
Spiritual
This means to begin and end each day with God. That most definitely includes prayer and some kind of Bible reading (we’ve explored different Christian resources through our public library). This doesn’t have to look the same every day, the goal is to meet with God in some way (through prayer, music, Bible reading, etc.) and nourish our souls. How will you encourage your kids to meet with God each day?
Intellectual
This means we want to learn something each day and to exercise our minds through reading. We’ve had a weekly rhythm of going to our public library and checking out a week’s worth of new and exciting books. Each day after lunch is our hour for reading (and more as they desire). The kids can log the books they read and we do offer rewards for reaching certain reading goals.
We also have a chapter book we read aloud as a family at least a couple evenings a week. Right now we are working through Chronicles of Narnia and Heidi. How can you encourage a spirit of learning and practice of reading in your home?
Physical
This means we aim to exercise and care for the bodies God gave us. Our favorite physical active things this summer has been taking walks or scooter rides through our neighborhood each morning. Or playing soccer in the afternoons in the park. How can you encourage the nourishment of your physical bodies this summer?
Relational
This means we aim to connect meaningfully with those we love. Whether is it a FaceTime call with relatives, a playdate with friends or special time together as a family, we seek to do at least one thing that will enhance our relationships each day. How can you enrich your relationships this summer?
Creative
This means we aim to tap into our creative juices each day. Made in the image of God, this is one of our main capacities given to us as a gift to use for good. In our house this looks like making cards for people, building a fort, legos, play-doh creations, and other crafts. We were made to co-create with God, so we aim to do this each day in some way. How can you encourage a culture of creation in your home? It is amazing what can come from the hearts of God’s children where His Spirit dwells!
This is a simple framework for nourishment that can help add some structure and purpose to our summer days. What has worked for you? What is something new you can try? Get your kids in on it and see what you can come up with together!
It’s Time for Vacation
Each year we’ve lived abroad (12 + years), we’ve been blessed to be able to travel to our home country (USA) and have 4-5 weeks to refresh and reconnect with family back home. We alternate going to my husband’s home state of Alabama and mine of Montana. This year is Montana, so we will be there the month of July and will return when school starts the first week of August. We are looking forward to time in the great outdoors, hiking, biking and frolicking in the river - things we do not get to do in SE Asia!
I originally was going to keep my newsletter going throughout the summer, but as I have been praying about how to spend our home leave break, I am sensing the need to ‘unplug’ for the month and come back to it when we return. Sometimes I notice I can get addicted to productivity and the feeling of satisfaction it brings, which is why I believe it is important for me to wean myself from the constant busyness and production from time to time; to refrain from doing and just enjoy being in the present moment with those I love.
How about you? Are you in need of some weaning and resting?
Good-Bye for a Little While
Good-bye traditionally meant ‘God be with you.’ So…this is my good-bye or ‘God be with you’ for now newsletter and I will look forward to coming back to this writing space rested and refreshed in August. I will use time in the mountains to seek God about what He is laying on my heart to write about - for the distinct purpose of helping you and your families stay grounded and growing in your faith in a world competing for our hearts, time and attention. I am praying for fresh inspiration and revelation for what is needed to encourage and strengthen His church in this hour!
Until then, may our good Lord bless you and keep you, and yes help you also to find ways to rest, refresh and restore your soul in whatever ways it is needed. My favorite verse in all of Scripture are Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Happy resting, my friend. For this is one way, I am convinced, we carry God’s glory in a weary world. We carve out (guilt-free) times of intentional rest, recreation, rejuvenation, so that our souls can be refreshed and reset to continue serving Him all of our days.
See you in August!
For His Glory on these Summer Days from my Heart and Home to Yours,
Ali
Photos of the Month
If you need some inspiration in your prayer life and would like to learn from Jesus’ profound prayer in John 17, you can listen at the link below (message starts 40 minutes in)…