“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” — Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
Summer brings a change of pace, and I always loved not having to rush through the morning routine to get everyone to class. While some parents are of the mind to get the kids up early anyway to keep discipline and make the most of a day, that wasn’t our style. With the constant meetings to do and people to care for, downtime was cherished and enjoyed. Sleeping in a little more can be oh so good!
There’s a lot to be said for moms learning to take things in stride. I remember my mom looking out the window at us bickering kids and saying, “Don’t worry, they’re not killing each other.” One time, when my sister called in tears from a babysitting job because three boys had spilled a whole gallon of milk across the kitchen, my mom just said, “Don’t cry over spilled milk”—literally. She made us laugh, and I’ve remembered that often. Like when one of my own kids went through a “what can be flushed down the toilet” phase and we had to call the plumber four times in a month. What else could we do but laugh?
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
Some days need more laughter than lectures.
There are so many sweet memories—like sitting at the table coloring pictures with my little girl who loved to draw – I still have some of them. Or sitting digging into animal fact books with my little boy who was fascinated by the oddest creatures. No, he didn’t become an animal trainer, but he still loves to discover interesting facts. Sometimes it was watching everyone splash around in the front yard pool until they were wrinkled and starving or chats over coffee with teenagers. The kids fondly remember picnics—not in the backyard—but on long bike rides Dad would take them on, exploring backwoods and stopping to eat under the trees.
And some of our best times were the simplest—games around the table, popcorn and movies with apples and cheese, or all of us curled up laughing through a family favorite. It didn’t matter if the couch cushions were piled into a fort or we were yelling over a board game—what mattered was that we were together. Those ordinary nights built the bonds that still hold us close.
Summer is full of opportunities for these moments. Little hands catching fireflies and watching them blink off and on—it’s the perfect chance to say, “Jesus wants us to shine like that in the world.” Or watching a superhero movie and using it to talk about how temptation and sin can weaken us like kryptonite. These aren’t deep theological lessons, but little seeds planted in soft soil.
Kids learn a way of life from our way of life with them. Going to church shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be an important, joyful part of our week where we look forward to worshipping, serving, learning, and seeing friends. When your kids spend a day with cousins creating worship songs and putting on evangelistic skits, you know something is sinking in. It’s not about perfection or performance—it’s about loving God and others every day.
They also don’t have to grow bitter if you can’t go on a big trip this summer. When money is tight, it’s a chance to teach them wise stewardship, the value of saving, and the joy of gratitude. They can learn that family fun doesn’t have to be fancy—food made together, silly games, a tent in the living room—those things are more lasting than expensive outings.
Summer is also a good time to help children step into new responsibilities at home. It doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Teach them how to make a simple breakfast, separate laundry, load the dishwasher, or clean their room well. These tasks can build confidence and even be fun with the right encouragement. What feels like work becomes meaningful when there’s purpose and praise.
Above all, each day is another opportunity to lead our children in the love and instruction of the Lord. Not just in what we say, but in what we do. The best teaching moments come in the living, in the consistency of our example and the truth of our words. Lead them to Jesus in everyday life. Show them how to love God and others well.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
And to the grandparents—this isn’t just a time to spoil and send them back. You’ve been given an opportunity and a responsibility to pass on the faith. Yes, love them, enjoy them, fill their hearts with laughter. But also fill them with wisdom. Tell them what God has done in your life. Pray with them. Sing with them. Teach them what matters most.
“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen… And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.” — Deuteronomy 4:9 (NKJV)
Let’s not miss the everyday chances to pass on what really matters. The world will teach them plenty. But only we can show them—up close—what it means to walk with God and love like Jesus.
