“Be still and know that I am God.”  (Psalms 46:10-11)  How often do you find yourself being still?  We are in such a hurry every day, busy making plans while life goes on around us.  Do you ever wish that you could just stop the world from spinning for one day and just relax, just be still and listen to God’s voice?  

Why not take some time this summer to stop all the noise and distractions in your life?  Turn off your cell phone, computer, and television,  put away any other electronic device that is an attention stealer and just spend time talking with your children.  Make a family pack for at least one night a week to turn off all the distractions and have a family fun night.    My children are all grown now, but we have designated Thursday nights as our family game night.  It’s been great to play games via Zoom and even though we are all scattered across the United States, we can still create fun lasting family memories.  

Take a walk around the block, ride bikes, have a cookout and make S’ mores, do something together as a family.  Perhaps you could teach your children how to play capture the flag, or kick the can.  Grab some sidewalk chalk and draw a hopscotch game, or a colorful mural on your driveway or sidewalk.    If you want to really get creative, build a tent in your family room out of sheets and blankets, cook up some popcorn and share some family stories.  Spend time talking to your children about your childhood, what you did during the summer when you were a kid.  

Whatever you do, make time this summer to really focus on your children, give them all the attention that they deserve and you will realize how special  they are.  Talk to them about their strengths, and their God given talents.  Encourage them to find ways to share their faith with others through volunteering or helping out a neighbor.  Being a good example with their friends is one of the best ways they can share their faith with others.   In the midst of all that you have going on in your lives,  find a quiet moment for yourself to relax, unwind and be still and listen to God’s voice.  “But I have stilled and quieted my soul.. . “  (Psalm 131:2)

We are living in unsettling times and the most important thing that a parent can do now is to create a sense of comfort and stability within the family unit. Children need to know that their family is “a circle of strength founded on faith, joined in love and kept by God together forever and ever.”