You’ve done it! You made it to the end of another school year, well done! The assignments are over, the drama finished (hopefully!), and now you have all the time in the world. That’s a good thing, right? Initially, the beginning of summer vacation is packed with freedom and fun. But as the days roll into weeks and boredom sets in, you start thinking about the next school year. Will it ever come? And once your school schedule fizzles into endless summer days, what happened to your Bible reading time? When was the last time you prayed?
Don’t fret, girl! We have all been there, so no judgment at all! Life calms down for a hot minute and then all our good intentions to read more of God’s Word get thrown out the window. But I’m here to help give you a few tips to keep your faith supercharged this summer—even amidst the summer festivities and fun!
First... Rest. You just finished a WHOLE year! You are a full year wiser, smarter, and, can we say, exhausted from everything! From sports, to math, to boys, it can definitely weigh a girl down. Once the school doors close and you’re home for two months, there is nothing wrong with taking a breather. Even our Heavenly Father took time to rest after creating our world (Genesis 2)! If He can rest, surely you can, too!
Second... Rejuvenate. You’ve dealt with all the good, the bad, and the ugly of a school year. Once you’ve rested, it’s time to rejuvenate your body and soul. There is so much chaos and noise in the world today—it’s time to detox. Unplug yourself from social media for a day. If that’s too much for you, try for maybe an hour. Try a refreshing iced tea or a new work out. Start reading that book of the Bible that you’ve been meaning to get to but were too overwhelmed to read before. Think of this time as a cleansing of your mind, body, and spirit. Use it to grow closer to your Heavenly Father and center on His peace.
Isaiah 40:31 states, “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” After running full speed for eight or so months, it can be hard to transition to a calmer time in life. But as Isaiah says above, pausing and waiting on the Lord, taking the time to read His Word, and asking Him how He wants you to spend your summer will refresh your spirit!
Third... Reflect. Take some time to yourself and reflect on the last school year. Sit outside with a notebook, or just in your room. Even better, talk to a parent or sibling about all that happened. What did you enjoy about the previous year? How has your faith grown since the beginning? Was there anything God taught you? In Pslam 77:11-12, we read that King David chose to actively meditate on all God had done for him. But why is that important? Because everything God accomplished in your life this past school year will continue to grow fruit into the next school year. When you’re feeling down or bored this summer, remember that God is always actively working in your life—whether you see it or not.
Finally... Redesign. Oof, this one is a tough one but ultimately rewarding. You’ve reflected on all the wonderful things God has done for you, but what about what He hasn’t done? What about the friendship that didn’t work out? What about the class you didn’t get the best grade in? Unfortunately, things don’t always work out how we wish or plan. How can we trust God to help us through the summer when He didn’t help us with our desires?
One of my favorite Bible stories is Joseph's in Genesis 37, & 39-41. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned—he definitely drew the short straw! Through it all, Joseph remained faithful to God. Eventually, God’s plan unfolded and Joseph became second-in-command of Egypt. Even if things don’t work out how you hope or plan, God always knows what’s best for you. Trust Him to guide your way through this summer and beyond.