The Benefits of a Quiet Summer

Bible camp. Art camp. Swimming lessons. Youth group retreat. Run down the list of activities we’d planned for our kids this summer, and one by one they’ve each succumbed to the COVID cancellation phenomenon.

My kids are bummed. And in danger of becoming hopelessly bored.

But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Summer isn’t going to be what we expected this year, let’s face it. Most of us are staring at thwarted plans, postponed events, and social distancing limitations to what would normally be a season packed with friends and a flurry of activity. Now, thanks (no thanks) to a pandemic, summer break will be much quieter than we imagined.

And I’m choosing to call that a blessing.

Over the past many weeks of social isolation, our family has been forced to experience togetherness on a new level. Gone are the distractions that keep us from connecting in meaningful ways, and the only options we have are to make the best of it or complain.

Believe me, we do our share of complaining. Yet I want to make this summer one defined not by griping but by glorifying God.

So we’re going to go for bike rides on quiet streets and eat homemade ice cream cones.

We’re going to roast marshmallows over a backyard fire pit and experiment with new s’mores recipes. Who knew a Milky Way would taste better melted?

And as for me and my house, we’re going to keep building puzzles, bumping volleyballs, and watching movies on rainy nights. And we will know each other more deeply, love each other more authentically, and forgive one another more rapidly {through lots and lots of practice} by fall.

On one hand, I am mourning the loss of our hustle, our camps, lessons, and countless running to and from friends’ houses—because friends are a gift from God. We know this now more than ever.

But on the other hand? God has been telling me for YEARS to slow down. And now we have no choice. So I’m going to lean in and see what all the fuss is about.

One thing I know for sure. Obedience brings blessing. So if a quiet summer is what God is dishing out, then I want to fill my plate with His goodness. Will you do it, too?

Of course, the pandemic is awful. Nobody wanted it. But God has allowed it. And He never leads us astray. So let’s find the benefits of the burden. Perhaps this quiet summer will bring greater gifts than summer camp or swimming lessons ever could. I’m excited to find out. Are you?

Blessings,
Becky Kopitzke
Beckykopitzke.com