The Summer Shift

My life is a totally different life when summer hits.

During the fall/winter/spring while the kids are in school and we all have our routines in place, I am a different person.  I’m on task, productive, disciplined.  But once summer comes… the shift happens and the struggles begin!

There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done.

Between entertaining kids, hanging out with friends and family, vacations, out-of-town guests, etc… I have to fit the rest of my life in.  To say it’s been a challenge is an understatement.

But you know who tends suffers the most during this summer shift?

God.

It’s surprisingly easy to put Him aside for the season, isn’t it?

Our churches aren’t having their scheduled Bible studies.  We miss Sunday worship due to travel or camping.  It’s hard to listen to your praise music with kids running around screaming.  Getting up early is tough because you’re up later with friends and family (and it’s lighter longer).

So… God gets the summer shift.

The bottom line is that we know better.  I’m a much more compassionate and giving person when I’m in the Word daily… you, too?  When I have a rich prayer life, I’m more grounded with an eternal perspective.  Having God top of mind allows me to be more patient with others.

We were designed to be in communication with our Creator… regularly.

I encourage you to get back into the Word this summer.  We need that “filling” so we can keep from operating so intensely in the flesh (which benefits no one).  We need to love and treasure these small people on summer break rather than yelling at them out of sheer frustration.  We need to honor the commitments we’ve made and find the time to complete them well.  We need to continue to hide the Word in our hearts so we provide wisdom and support to those in need.

Here are some suggestions to combat the summer shift:

• Start your own Bible study… lead even! (I have suggestions if you need some)
• Bring your Bible to the park or pool and read while the kids are playing.
• Wake up 30 minutes earlier and spend time alone with Him.
• Subscribe to a daily devotional so you get a snippet of Him each day.
• Find a devotional to do with your kids daily.
• Listen to praise music on your iPod while exercising or mowing the lawn.

Get creative and avoid the summer shift!  We… need… God.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6)