Summer: A Lighter Time

We’re officially kicking off the season of flip-flops, popsicles, and all things sunny. Whether you're driving to work or heading out for vacation, summer brings a new energy—and I don’t just mean the heat. There’s something about this season that invites us to slow down a bit, breathe in deeper, and soak up the beauty God’s created.

So, let’s open up the windows of our hearts—and maybe the car too—and welcome summer with some joy, laughter, and fresh perspective!

Main Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) — “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Alright y’all, it’s officially summer! The calendars agree, the sun agrees, and honestly, my thermostat agrees too.

Today we’re talking about all the simple joys this season brings—and how to let God speak through even the light-hearted stuff.

When I was younger, I would spend almost every day at my grandparents’ in their pool. If the pool needed to be shocked, they would set up a sprinkler for us to run through. I also remember waiting for the ice cream truck to come down our road. But some of my best memories come from our big family camping trips every summer. There is just something about summer that brings a different, lighter side to life.

Summer is a time to slow down and really notice things. God’s intentional timing is something that we probably can see more clearly as we sit by the pool or at the beach—or even camping in the woods. We don’t need to rush. Summer is here for a reason, and I think it’s a great time of reflection because our schedules are so different and less rushed.

What part of your life do you feel God asking you to slow down and enjoy?

Do you have a silly and sweet summer bucket list—things like “watch a sunset,” “try a new flavor of ice cream,” or “pray barefoot in the grass”?

Sometimes joy is spiritual too. Let’s not miss the little delights God gives.

Spreading joy can be like putting on SPF 50—generously and daily, sometimes multiple times a day. You can spread that joy by smiling at strangers, paying for someone’s drink, or telling a dad joke. Summer’s the season for a lighter heart. Joy is in the air.

Like a lazy summer breeze, let’s talk about finding rest in this season—not just vacations, but rest for our minds and hearts.

Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest. If He needed it, we sure do too.

The summer after I graduated college, I literally scheduled to do nothing but soak up some sun and figure out what was next. I actually found that I was pretty productive during that time! I made a schedule, got things done, and also got nothing done. It was very refreshing and exactly what I needed in that season.

Find small “sabbatical” moments—5 minutes in the morning sun, a walk after dinner, a tech-free hour.

In our house, we have no phones at dinner and no phones during our family game nights every Monday. This time is a way for us to slow down.

You don’t need a plane ticket to experience peace. Sometimes rest is as close as your backyard.

It’s in these small changes that we see big differences. We’ll notice our down time feels more fulfilling. Five minutes a day is small, but it’s a great way to start creating lasting rhythms.

A slower pace gives us space to hear God more clearly.

Where could you carve out space to connect with God in a fresh way this summer?

There’s no one way to rest. Ask God what rest looks like for you this season.

Our schedules are different in the summer, and we can add or take away things that aren’t needed. That opens space for more time with God—and what a great time to start a new routine… sitting with the Lord.

Just like the first jump into the pool—let’s make it count. This hour’s all about fresh starts and choosing joy with purpose.

We can all use a fresh start, some rest, and time to seek what God has for us so that we live with purpose. Let’s make it count.

The “first day” of anything—summer, school, jobs—always feels full of hope. There may be some anxiety that comes with firsts, but there's also hope because it's something new. Let’s invite that same hope into our faith walk.

What if we treated our relationship with God like a fresh start today?

There is fresh grace and mercy for us every day. God supplies it freely, so let’s shift our mindset to accept that gift and seek the Lord anew every day—with joy and excitement.

Use this time to reset rhythms—maybe a devotional by the pool, journaling, or praying on morning walks.

Try a “sunset and Scripture” once a week! This is a beautiful time to sit with the Lord, soak up His creation, and get into His Word.

God doesn’t just work in the storms—He’s in the sunlight too.

“For everything there is a season…” Maybe this one’s for lightness, growth, and gratitude.

I hope you feel the warmth—not just from the Texas sun, but from the One who made it.

Summer is more than a season—it’s a reminder to live fully, laugh loudly, and lean into rest. Whatever your plans are, invite God into them. He’s the author of joy, the provider of peace, and yes, He even made watermelon.

Enjoy the first day of summer, my friends. And as always, keep rising and shining.