This is going to be your best summer yet. You may not see the myriad's of ways God's hands are working behind the scenes but let me tell you HE IS WORKING. By the end of August your faith will be renewed, your joy will be overflowing and your hope in a too-good-to-be-true God will be as solid as a wall of diamonds ten inches thick.
Because of this assurance you have in God take some extra time to relax. The Bible says in Psalm 127:2, NASB 1995
"It is futile for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep."
When I studied this verse I discovered a transformational truth—even while we are sleeping God is giving back to us. God can do more while you are sleeping than a month of intense effort. Rest in the fact that every area of your life is covered by Him. He cares about you deeply.
With that being said, there should be fun and enjoyment in your life this gorgeous summer season. Here'a few things we are doing as a family this summer, making it beautiful in this season. Maybe it will give you some ideas about what you can do as a family.
Post Dinner Pool Parties. We've been going to the community pool after dinner most nights. Usually there are not many people there because it's not peak tanning time. Milan and I each bring a good book while the kids play. It's been wonderful.
Family Night Walks. Last night we took a walk at 9:15P. Now usually, we come home from the pool, get changed and set out on a walk around our subdivision. Granted the walk is only a little under a mile. We've thoroughly enjoyed our time together.
Saturday Morning Family Breakfasts. Why not take some time to enjoy food together around the table. We've loved this time. Fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream, crepes with Nutella, scrambled eggs, pancakes—you name it, we've made it. We wake up excited on Saturday mornings to eat this fabulous meal together.
Time with Friends. We are trying to take time to prioritize the people most important to us because they truly do bring life to our hearts. Movie nights, play dates, dinner at our home ... so far it has been a joy.
Mornings with Jesus. A few times a week I'm taking some extra time with God. Summer is a time where I can lean into Him in new ways because I don't have to leave the house at 6:50A to drop the kids off at school. I'm loving this new schedule and my time with Him.
Reading a good Book. This is one of my favorites! I'm currently reading a book that is a page turner and I can't wait to dive into it later this afternoon! I've read multiple books this summer. Some for fun, some for growth. I've loved Bob Goff's Undistracted and Dooley's Embrace your Almost was good too.
Family Runs. Now this one will only work with older children, but my 16 year old has taken to running with me. We run some, walk some. We share a pair of airpods and listen to podcasts. One of my favorites is the Carey Nieuwhof podcast. We talk about what we are learning as we huff and puff our incline back to our home. It's been fun.
Whatever you do this summer take time to enjoy life. This is your one life to live and you're the only one to steward it well. Know when it's time to push and when it's time to rest. Embrace each as equally productive.
It's an honor being on this journey with you. Remember today how loved you are by God.
Your Friend,
Jamie Klusacek
Ps. Here's one of my favorite breakfast recipes.
Recipe Design Credit: Milan Klusacek
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