Summer arrives with all the warmth and wonder of childhood—the scent of sunscreen, the sound of little feet splashing in pools, and the laughter of siblings making up games that will soon become treasured memories. When my children were young, summer felt endless. The days stretched long, filled with trips to the creek, messy kitchen experiments, and barefoot races across the yard.
Looking back, I see not just the moments but the meaning behind them. And I want to tell young mothers today—these fleeting summer days matter. They are shaping the hearts and memories of your children, even when exhaustion makes it hard to see.
Each morning, I prayed: Lord, show me how to love them best.
Not just in grand gestures, but in the small, everyday choices. The quiet patience, the whispered prayers, the moments where I chose grace instead of frustration.
Faith in the Simple Moments
It’s easy to think summer should be about big adventures—road trips, beach vacations, perfectly planned outings. But God works just as powerfully in the ordinary.
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The giggles at the breakfast table.
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The sticky hands reaching for one more popsicle.
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The late-night talks when little voices ask deep questions about life.
Those small moments build a foundation of love that lasts far beyond summer. Don’t underestimate them.
Patience When Days Feel Long
There will be hard days. Days where the kitchen is a mess, the kids are bickering, and exhaustion weighs heavy. But when those days come, hold onto this verse:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Patience doesn’t mean perfection. It means choosing grace when frustration tempts you to snap. It means taking a deep breath before answering, asking God for strength when you feel depleted, and remembering that even the challenging moments hold value.
Parenting is not about getting everything right—it’s about being present.
Planting Seeds of Faith
Summer is the perfect time to weave faith into everyday life. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
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A simple thank-you prayer before meals.
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A scripture shared before bedtime.
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A moment of gratitude for the beauty in a sunset.
Faith isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about consistently showing your children that God is present—in laughter, in love, in quiet moments where His peace is felt.
Cherishing the Time We’re Given
One day, the house will be quieter. The summers won’t be filled with endless snack requests and sandy footprints. But the love you pour into them now—the presence, the patience, the faith—will carry them forward.
So this summer, don’t strive for perfection. Just be present. Love deeply. And trust that God is guiding you every step of the way.
Jann Franklin is a faith based cozy mystery writer. You can reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com