Stick to the Basics

This post is by Patty Lewis.

Summer is on its way!  School, for most of our kids, is on its way out!

How can we maintain our morning routines we have worked hard to build?

First, we should recognize summer is approaching and most of us are going to experience pretty big changes in our schedules…whether our kids go to school outside the home or are homeschooled.  Knowing this is coming and giving it a little attention will help us see the value in committing to continuing our morning routines.  There can be much fruit for us and our families by maintaining a doable summer morning routine. 

Keeping God first prepares us and fills us up to start our day.  It also sets a great example for our children who will see us doing this or maybe just notice how we behave all day and react to things by having already chosen Him first. 

Summer does not mean we have no plan.  Planning is a useful tool, even when we can relax and have more free time.  We will still need to plan for days at home, days of activities outside the home and/or vacations.  There may be a need for you to plan when you will have lunch and what you will serve.  If you like to schedule more doctor/dentist appointments during summer so you do not have to take time off during the school year, you will need to plan for how those appointments will fit into your days.  Continuing to make time to plan, even if just a quick glance over the calendar, will keep us in the habit for busier seasons and will mean we stay on track over the summer.

Moving will always be necessary – drinking that glass of water (encouraging our kids to hydrate as well) and maybe our stretching or workout will keep us fit for the calling of motherhood.  Summer can be a time to let some things go but caring for our temple should not be one of them.  We may need to be more fit because we will be doing even more with the kids physically at home or out and about.  Being fit for our calling keeps us ready for physical things as well as the emotional/mental/spiritual needs of ourselves and our people every day.  Our kids need us to be able to encourage, listen, support, and pray with them.  Being hydrated and strong physically helps us meet those needs.

I encourage you, Moms, to look forward to summer.  Be willing to think ahead and commit to keeping your morning routine going, even if you refresh and tweak it a little for the summer season.  Stick to the basics of God-Plan-Move and enjoy your family this summer!!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The LORD, not for human masters.  Colossians 3:23  

Patty Lewis lives on the Space Coast of Florida with her husband, son, mother-in-law, dog and two cats.  She is a homeschool momma, loves serving other moms in her church and community through encouragement in practical ways and enjoys reading, gardening, Disney, anything with her family, and laughing really loud.

Photo by Blake Meyer on Unsplash