As I am hustling kids out the door, slathering on sunscreen, hats, water shoes, and other bright colored summer paraphernalia, I was thinking to myself, there is rest in this. No really, there is rest in the summer despite the summer heat and hustle. Once we get to the pool or the park or that summer evening bike ride, there is rest during this time. Summer is a chance to grow with the season, to soak up the sunshine and revel in the sounds, sights, and tastes of summer bounty. The Lord offers us the beauty of the seasons to reflect the beauty and goodness in His design for creation. We as humans are created for labor, leisure, and love. And Jesus is here with us in the leisure; the popsicles, ballcaps, fireworks, BBQs on the deck, and the chalk on the sidewalk. 

If you find yourself having a hard time letting Him into these activities, try reminding yourself of these verses on rest: 

“Come to me…and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” Psalms 4:8

“And on the seventh day God had finished the work he  had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3

These few verses highlight the beauty that God gave us in rest and He encourages us to take rest. What better way to do that in the summer. Invite Him into these long days of sun, thanking Him for the Son. 

Start your morning with a journal  to begin in rest. 

Or cuddle up on rainy afternoons with one of our cozy blankets or better yet, bring one to lay under the stars and dwell on the beauty of God’s creation.