Purposeful Rest

May this summer be one where you find peace in His presence

By: Debbie Breyman, Director of Curriculum

May is here and summer is just around the corner! As your children eagerly anticipate this break from school, you may find yourself busy planning trips, activities, and special moments for your family. I share this enthusiasm for organizing and planning; however, I have learned that it is easy to get lost in the details and forget the true purpose of this intentional time away from academic, extracurricular, and other pressures. Too often, we end up “burning the candle at both ends,” trying to pour a gallon of plans into a thimble-sized schedule.

Please do not misunderstand … there is immense value in being productive. For example, our school sends home summer packets filled with activities designed to reinforce important skills learned throughout the year. But sometimes, the pursuit of productivity turns into simple busyness. This often happens when we say “yes” to too many things without intentionally considering how we are spending our time.

As God’s precious creations, we can easily fall into this trap. We were never designed to work seven days a week and function without a time of rest. From the beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest - not as a burden, but as a gift. He gave us the Sabbath to draw us back to Himself, to restore our bodies and souls.

 “Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.”
(Exodus 20:9-10)

This summer, I encourage you to carve out intentional time with your children - time where you read together or simply allow them space to be bored and let their imaginations flourish. As Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates, God leads us beside still waters where He refreshes us. May this summer be one where you find peace in His presence as you enjoy the gift of family time.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.”
(Psalm 23:1-3)