Summer in Minnesota

Summer is here and school is out! Pool days, ice cream, sports practices, dirty feet through the house, messy bedrooms, bonfires at night, grilling for every meal; summertime is FULL! With summer comes much fun and much chaos. When September hits, the frequent statement I hear is that “summer flew by.” In all the chaos, sporting events, hangouts and cabin trips, many feel their summer went by in a blink, and the long days in the sun and extended pause from school lacked true family time and intentionality. It seems parents are more exhausted than ever at the end of summer, and are begging for school to be back in session. 

What if, instead of our summer schedules feeling out of order and far too demanding, we had 3 months to intentionally invest in our children to make the summer months the most fruitful months of their lives? What if we sowed into our children’s spiritual walk with God this summer in a fresh and Holy Spirit-empowered way? What if, when school comes back around in the fall, you are not limping your way into it, but are entering the school year with a holy anticipation for what God wants to do through your children because of what you poured into them this summer?

Scripture is clear from the Old Testament through the New Testament that children are a joy, they are a gift, and we are to pass down our faith to them as we raise them in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” To “train up” takes action, intentionality, time and purpose. Training our children is not passive, but requires us to wake up daily and say, “Here I am Lord, use me… Use me to accomplish your will in my child, use me to disciple them according to your Word, and use me to build your Kingdom in the Next Generation right here in my own home”. 

This can feel daunting, but it is simpler than we think. So, where do you begin? Here are some ideas on how to intentionally invest in your children over summer break: 

Family Walks - Take time to intentionally go on a walk together twice a week after dinner. Get your dog on a leash, lace up your tennis shoes and walk with your children. On your walk, make a point not to pull out your phone but simply talk with your kids. Ask them about their day, or what they are most excited about for summer, or their goals for the next school year. As your children respond, intentionally listen and continue to ask questions. As a mom to a 5-year-old son, I have found my most fruitful time with him is while I walk or go for a run. Seeing as my son is only 5, he gets on his bike, I go for a jog, and we just talk. You may be surprised in the conversations how many holy moments you have with your child. I have been surprised at how quickly the Lord seems to enter into the conversation as it naturally leads into teachable moments regarding salvation, how to hear God’s voice, or what it means to live as a Christ follower… Take time as a family this summer to get outside and walk together.

Youth Ministry - Our Youth Ministry meets every Wednesday night across all locations at 6:30pm for all 6th - 12th grade students. I encourage you to load up your car with your children and their friends this summer and bring them to the Youth Ministry. After services, capitalize on the long summer nights and bring them to get ice cream. Do this even once a month, and I guarantee you will quickly become the favorite carpool parent! During this time, hear about what they learned, ask them questions and listen to their conversation. You will learn much about your child by simply listening to the conversations they have with their friends. As you listen, make mental notes on areas you are proud of, what you want to encourage your child with that week, or the areas of their life you desire to more intentionally disciple them in. 

Sunday Services - Similar to Wednesday Nights, be intentional to not miss church this summer! If we are in town, we are in church! As you bring your kids to Sunday Services, take one Sunday a month and go to brunch or a park for a picnic after service. At lunch, ask your children what they learned in Kids Church, the friends they made and what they enjoyed the most. Take time to pray together before you eat and pray specifically over each of your children and that what they encountered in Kids Church would stick to their hearts and spirits. If you are looking for some family-friendly brunch spots or parks with great picnic areas, here are our family's personal favorites: 

• Tavern in Apple Valley or Edina - Kids 12 years old and younger eat free for their brunch buffet. If you have children 12 years old or younger, load them up and get all the free pancakes you can get post services! 
• Shoots and Ladders Park in Bloomington - This is a free park that has something for all ages! They have trails for walks/biking, a massive park, picnic tables, and a lake you can paddle boat, canoe, or fish on. It is fun for the whole family! Pack a lunch and head to Shoots and Ladders after services for a fun family Sunday! 
• Fireman Park in Chaska - Near Fireman Park is Getaway Motor Cafe or Jones Coffee. We know that the mad dash to get to church on time is exactly what it sounds like… a mad dash! To help with tired eyes, after church, grab a coffee and a treat on your way to the park. It is amazing how far a little caffeine and fresh air can go for your own mental energy, attitude and posture! My kids personally love both Getaway Motor Cafe and Jones Coffee, donuts or juice boxes. I personally love anything that is a fun, iced, seasonal drink. Get some sugar in them, caffeine in yourself, and then hit the park! Fireman Park has a splash pad and beach front, so do not forget to pack your swimsuits and enjoy a day in the sun after Sunday Services! 
• Pack your Own Lunch from Home, load up your bikes or scooters, and head to the Lake of the Isles after Sunday Services. Our kids love doing long bike rides and my husband and I love being outside, so this one is a big win for us. After church, we can get fresh air, do some light exercise, and enjoy a picnic lunch together. What is better than that? Not only are you outdoors, but you are creating space for a lot of fun memories, conversations and intentional moments with your kids. Take time to hear about their church experience, to go through their scripture verse with them, and pray as a family. 

Allow this summer to be the best of your life because of the moments you have as a family in God’s presence. The Lord wants to meet with you and your children this summer. God wants to meet with you while you are going about your day, at family dinners, on your way to sports practices, and in church services. As we train our children in the ways of the Lord, I am expectant to see how He will use our young people to advance His Kingdom this next school year as a result!