Stops and Steps
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Mark 6:31
“The stops of a good man are ordered by the Lord as well as his steps.” —George Mueller
With summer break it is easy for parents to disengage, to go into autopilot and to lesson expectations for their children. Taking a break is not the same thing as being lazy. While taking a break is good, we should still have some basic Christian and family life expectations in our homes.
Here are some ideas for students this summer:
- Take a break from school work, but keep reading the Bible.
- Take a break from classes, but still attend Sunday School.
- Take a break from Physical Education, but still exercise prayer and discernment.
- Take a break from academic teachers, but never stop learning how to live from your parents.
Here are some ideas for parents this summer:
- Keep structure in the home. While a little more relaxed there should still be a bedtime and wake up time and normal times for meals.
- Communicate expectations concerning chores. Each child should have several jobs in the home that help you, that add value to them, and gives them a purpose and a role to fulfill in your home.
- Have limits on media. Vegging out in front of a TV or a small media device for hours on end is unhealthy. Cultivate real people interaction. Give play time outside. Try a new sport. Take a hike or a bike ride. Have friends come over to do more than play video games. Get a ball and enjoy the weather.
- Get several interesting books from the bookstore or the library and except your child to read 1 or 2 books during the summer months. Ensure the mind stays sharp!
My prayer is that you will have a safe, fun, and God-honoring summer break!
EDC Christian 