The Pace of Summer

     Summer is about to start. The last day of public school is in three days. That means the first day of summer starts in four days, despite what the calendar or cycles of the moon may indicate. For families with school age children summer brings a different tempo to the days and nights. No more waking in the dark for school, no more late evenings of homework. Bedtimes are not as critical when families can use the sun as their alarm clock.

     A relaxed pace is a balm to the sometimes strained relationships within families. Nothing helps build relationships as much as time spent together and time spent without too many bullet points on the agenda. Children tend to ease into important conversations when there is a stretch of time in front of them. It is easy to think their conversations are just talk, but as parents we need to remember during these quieter days of summer, that every long story or meandering conversation is an important one to the child involved. Listening to the overall theme or repeated observations of a child will often reveal what is weighing on his or her heart. The tenor and cadence of the story, be it fear, jealousy, pride, excitement or any other emotion  illuminates the path that parents can take in teaching, nurturing and leading children.

     The prayer For Quiet Confidence (found on page 832 of the Book of Common Prayer) is the perfect prayer for the summer. In this prayer we are reminded that God has taught us that "in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength." 

     Let this summer be a a time to know the peace that comes from being still or, in the case of children, a little more still than during the school year so that we can come to better know and lead our children and know and follow our God.

Happy Summer,
Michelle