Luke 2:52 Summer

As we played “family kickball” last week with aunts, uncles, and cousins, the noisy cicadas in the brush by the creek reminded me that we have reached the mid-point of this favorite season of mine. Summer bursts with life, color, and movement, and I relish every second of it! But more than appreciating the gifts of nature, I really want my summer to be profitable for my kids. Interestingly, the Bible gives us just one verse (Luke 2:52) that offers this sweeping summary of the early childhood of Jesus: “And Jesus increased wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

We have a “Luke 2:52 List” that some of us are starting to work on this summer. Maybe it will be of help for your family as well:

Wisdom: Read a profitable book for 15 minutes a day. Practice music for 30 minutes a day and set goals.

Stature: Choose physical exercises that require at least 30 minutes of your day. Find a new skill you would like to develop this summer.

Favor with God: Have daily devotions. Choose a Scripture passage you would like to learn this summer. Choose a person you will pray to get saved this summer.

Favor with man: Write one note or letter a week that encourages someone. Text or call your long-distance siblings.

Moms, you may also want to pray and ask the Lord for specific direction regarding how to limit (or even eliminate) television, video games, and non-educational internet during the summer months. Creativity and hard work are hard to cultivate in a world where shallow entertainment is too readily available. God will be faithful to lead your family in the way that works best for you.