Let’s be honest — as a family —summer can sneak up on us. One minute, you're buried in end-of-the-school-year chaos, and the next, you’re wondering how you’re going to get through 2.5 months of no school, more free time, and the continuous groanings of “I’m bored.” Something that I don’t want us to lose in the midst of transition into summer is our discipleship of others.

Here's what I know about discipleship: it doesn’t thrive on autopilot. It’s intentional. And often, it grows more in the unexpected, unstructured moments. That’s exactly what summer gives you. It gives you margins. It gives you space. It gives you a unique season—maybe the only time all year—when your kids are more present, less scheduled, and (at least a little) more open. And sometimes the temptation in summer is to take a break from our normal rhythms which can easily lead to less discipleship. But what if summer was seen as a break from family discipleship but a more open door for discipleship.

Because, while summer may change the rhythms you and your family have, it also presents additional opportunities to disciple in unique ways. One of the verses we go to often when we talk about family discipleship is Deuteronomy 6:5-7

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Here’s what I love about this passage about family discipleship - it takes into account the rhythms of life. It doesn’t say that you must teach them as you sit down at the table reading through today’s Bible reading plan. And while there’s nothing wrong with going through a Bible reading plan together (in fact, I recommend you do), what we see is actually an invitation to take the everyday rhythms of life, embrace them, and use them as discipleship opportunities. So if summer is a little less programmed, more flexible, and often creates space that you don’t have with your family during the year, take advantage of it to disciple your kids in different ways as well.

With that in mind, here are a few ways you can practically let the rhythm and pace of summer influence your discipleship: 

1. Move conversations outside. One of the best things about summer is the time spent outside. And the longer days and warmer weather allow for conversations to happen outdoors where they can feel more organic, casual, and a part of everyday life. Prioritize evening walks as a family where you talk about things you’re thankful to God for. Set up shop around the fire pit and talk about what God is teaching you as you inhale smores. Eat outside and thank God for all the things he’s graciously provided you with. Moving conversations outdoors allows you to easily show your kids how we can take a posture of gratitude for all things in life. 
2. Extended bedtime routine. I know you have your Netflix shows to get to, but what if not needing to rush out the door in the morning with the kids made an opportunity for you to slow down your bedtime routine. Take a couple extra minutes each night to sing an extra worship song. Take extra time to ask your kids what they want to pray for as you tuck them in or ask them what their favorite part of the Bible story was. Slow down before leaving their room and pray bold prayers for their life. A slower morning means you can take the extra time at night to show them what intentional time with God looks like. 
3. Look for moments. Whether it’s while you’re fishing, jumping on the trampoline, going on family vacation, or whatever other activities your family ends up doing this summer, look for moments that you are able to point your children to the person and work of Jesus. Turn sunsets into times to share about his creativity and beauty. Turn beach vacations into time to talk about his power. Turn lazy Saturday mornings into time to talk about where true rest is found. Turn those summer storms into times to share about his control over all things. 

This summer take advantage of the change of season and schedule as you disciple your family.