Intimidated by the Chaos of Summer? Focus on This Truth
By Keri Eichberger
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35
Are you ready for summer? It’s a question all parents struggle to respond to when the school year comes to a close. I don’t know about you, but from me, depending on who is doing the asking, you’ll get a different answer. Because the truth is, my response doesn’t seem to be so simple or appeasing to all. There’s certainly perks in the hot months on the horizon, but mostly I’m intimidated and scared. So, if a friend who “gets me” asks, I’d say, Ready? Hardly! I’m terrified! Mouths that are never full and fighting for their voices to be heard, with no escape day after day, make my chest tighten! But if super-mom asks me if I’m ready–because I’m sure she can’t wait to fire back about how delighted she is at the thought of her lovelies filling her home ASAP–I’ll flash a smile and soften the truth with Oh, sure! I’m ready to sleep an extra hour! OR Ready as I’ll ever be! And then there’s the internal response that’s swelling with guilt, already sure I’m going to fail big time again, and the kids will probably just hate me before we’re halfway through June.
During the school year, I spend the first hour after the house is quiet, refueling with God and his truths through prayer, devotions, and reading the Word. And I fill my soul meeting with my Bible study girls once a week. But it all flies fast off the radar after Memorial Day. This time is my lifeline. How will I handle these key elements being removed or interrupted? How will I stay sane? And I bet we can all agree, we’d kind of like more than just sanity. We hope to enjoy the summer too. Right? It really does have some goodness to offer. Not only that, I truly do love my kids. I want to enjoy them also. I want them to make sweet memories of this more carefree and beautiful time of year.
Do you feel any of this? Are you a bit intimidated? Do you have memories of chaotic summers past? But you really wish it could be different this year?
If I’ve learned one thing (that I often forget) about finding peace in chaos, it’s that God does offer it freely, abundantly. This means there has to be a way you and I can open and expose it, and allow it to fill the days just ahead.
But how?
For me, I can’t afford to give up that quiet time. I just have to be more intentional about how I protect it. And it occurred to me, this is an opportunity us parents have been waiting for. To model to our children what leaning on the Lord looks like. What prioritizing our faith looks like. When my kids aren’t home daily they don’t see the extent of time I put in. And to be honest, I don’t always openly announce it on the occasional weekend day they pop in while I’m immersed in the Word.
So here’s the truth I know. Our alone time with God at the start of each day is what he wants. As modeled by Jesus. (Mark 1:35) And it sets the stage for each day. The Lord wants to direct your steps, your mood, your heart, all your plans and agendas. He doesn’t desire you to fear the impending chaos you’ve created in your mind. He wants peace for you and joy for you. So we have to plan to go to him, and then do it. I know in the summer it can be hard to find a routine and schedule. In fact a lack of regiment is largely what makes me feel life crazy and messy is on the move. But I believe if you can commit to this one discipline in the months to come you’ll be amazed how God uses it.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Can you do that? Commit now, maybe even share with your entire household your plan, to spend an hour in prayer for your praise of who God is and what he’s doing, for the specific help you need that day, and for those around you who need to be lifted up. This alone can change your entire next season.
I’ve seen God not only soften my spirit at the onset of each day, but also supply new ideas to create order for my children, and inspire fresh boundaries for myself to encourage a sense of balance. I’ve found myself rising up from prayer time less frustrated, less frazzled, more clear, more patient, more aware of God’s presence and help that will keep walking with me throughout that day. More ready to face each hour with joy and courage and his strength.
I really do want to enjoy these years, and every season. And I know you do too. It is my prayer that committing to this ongoing time will help you feel not only less intimated, but ready for the summer and the days of delight the Lord wants to pour into your days. And your more peace-filled, joy-filled abundance of memories to come.
Related Resource: Let's Get Ready for Summer!
Want to have an intentional summer but don't know where to start? Feeling a bit overwhelmed as you look ahead to the next few months? Join Rebekah Scott, host of The Encourager Podcast: Equipping Christian Moms to Harmonize Work and Home, as she walks through several practical tips to help you get a handle on planning your summer and feel ready for the months ahead. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Choreograph
Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
The process of success is not hidden. It is on display for anyone to see. However, it is a daily grind that requires a great deal of work that is tedious and often uncomfortable. Successful people simply do the work. They embrace the grind and everything that comes with it. Ultimately, successful people understand this truth - Hope doesn’t produce change. Habits do! Everyone has the desire, but many lack the necessary discipline! That’s why today on The Built Different Podcast we have a very special guest who understands the importance of discipline and habits at a very high level. Don’t just focus on changing the thoughts in your head and the habits in your life, but also allow God to transform your heart from the inside out. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
