Summer Days and Devotionals

Summer Days and Devotionals

To the Mommas out there:

Summer is here, and like it or not, it means a change in our routines.

The long lazy days lead to late nights, and a lackadaisical attitude lingers as the porch swing beckons.

For most, summer ushers in a brief season of reprieve. A moment in time where barefoot adventures, poolside parties, and relaxing reading are deemed appropriate and necessary.

An oasis from the chaos. 

Summer offers freedom from the frenzy of homework assignments, practice schedules, and dance recitals, then invites us to initiate a new itinerary for our families.

This is the perfect opportunity to begin or reestablish a devotional time with your children.

Resources are abundant and topics are endless.

Here are my three go tos for a great devotional experience with children.

*The Bible.  It is full of great stories about everyday people. Stories of how they overcame fear, stepped out of their comfort zone, and served God. Psalms teaches of praise and thanksgiving while Proverbs shares words of wisdom. I love to use the International Children’s Bible when working with kids. Actually, I often refer to it during my own devotional time.

*My personal favorite (after The Bible), “Saved! Now What?” This is a 20 day devotional for young, new Christians. Check it out on the affiliate link below.

*Amazon. Search “children’s devotional,”  and a plethora of books will fill your screen. 

Getting started is the key, so just do it. Use these five easy steps to help quell any excuses!

1. Set a time and stick with it.

Children need routine, even in the summer. A devotional is a good habit and habits are formed with daily discipline. Pick a time that works with your schedule and don’t let anything interfere. You might decide right after breakfast works best, or right before dinner. Maybe after everyone is ‘dressed and ready for the day’ sounds doable, or you may prefer bedtime. Just establish a time and stick with it. 

2.  Find a location and meet there consistently.

Find a spot free from distraction, a place where everyone can stay focused for 5-10 minutes. It should be comfortable and inviting. Create the space together and allow your kids to have their favorite journals, pens, or pillows stored close by. 

3.  Keep it short and simple.

Read something, talk about it, write about it, then do something about it. You may just read one verse, or one short story, or one brief paragraph, but follow up with conversation. Use this time to teach, listen, and learn. Find out what’s going on in their heads. If your children are old enough, let them write something they want to remember from the conversation or something they learned. Then talk about how they can live out God’s instructions in their everyday lives.

4.  Make it fun.

Summer devotionals can be both memorable and meaningful. In Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about making the new habit obvious and attractive. Making it obvious can be as simple as leaving your Bible or the devotional book on the breakfast room table.  That is the reminder, after we eat, we talk. You might have a letter board or slate in the kids bathroom that says ‘Bath then Bible,’ or ‘Bible then Bed.’ Cue the activity, so it becomes routine.

Tie this habit to something you are already doing and add a fun twist. You might decide afternoon snack time is the best time for a devotional. ‘Popsicles and Prayer’ may be your summer theme. Don’t be afraid to have a good time. I am sure Jesus spent many hours laughing with His friends.

5.  Give yourself grace.

Life happens, and routines are disrupted. We move on and we do better. If disruptions become routine, rethink steps 1 and 2.  Maybe the timing isn’t best for your family or maybe the location isn’t conducive to the activity. Just don’t give up.

Any opportunity to start a conversation about Jesus is a good thing. Summer often allows you to step back from the ordinary and do something new. And that something new might just become a good habit.

Check out the Witty and Gritty podcast mini series on how to create good habits by clicking on the link below.