“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90 reminds us that time is a gift from God. Every day we receive is an opportunity to live wisely, love intentionally, and steward the moments entrusted to us.

For families with children or grandchildren, summer can be a unique opportunity to do just that. The school year brings its own rhythm and routine, but summer often loosens those structures. That can be a wonderful gift—but it can also bring unexpected challenges.

Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, knows this firsthand. Brian and his wife, Erica, have four children in school, ranging in age from 8 to 16. Like many families, they welcome the blessing of more time together during the summer months. But they also know that when routines disappear, the days can easily slip away.

As Brian puts it, the season that is supposed to feel restful can sometimes become even busier than the school year. That is why his family tries to approach summer with intentionality.

Their simple framework is built around three important buckets: work, play, and rest.

Work may not sound like the first thing kids want to think about during summer break, but it is an important part of God’s design. Work existed before the fall, and when kept in proper balance, it helps us grow in responsibility, service, and faithfulness.

For children, summer provides extra time at home—and often, extra messes around the house. That creates a natural opportunity to teach responsibility through simple household duties.

Brian’s family calls these “daily duties.” Each child has an age-appropriate task to complete each day. It may be loading or unloading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, taking out the trash, or helping with another household responsibility. Most of the time, the children can choose when they complete the task, but the expectation is clear: it needs to get done.

These small responsibilities may not take much time, but they can help build accountability and a work ethic. They also remind children that being part of a family means contributing to the household's well-being.

Each family can decide whether certain chores should be paid or simply expected as part of living together. Either way, the goal is not merely to complete tasks. The deeper goal is to help children understand that work is a meaningful part of life and stewardship.

Summer is not only a time for work. It is also a time to enjoy the gift of family.

Fun matters—not just for children, but for parents and grandparents as well. Many families spend the fall, winter, and spring looking forward to summer, hoping for more time together. But meaningful memories rarely happen by accident. They usually require some planning.

Brian’s family has a tradition they call the “summer of fun.” They choose a handful of activities they would not normally do during the school year and randomly select one every few weeks. To make it even more exciting, they use a Price Is Right-style spinning wheel to choose the activity.

The activities do not have to be expensive. They may include going out for ice cream, visiting a favorite restaurant, having a picnic, or doing something outdoors together. Sometimes, they may include a bigger adventure. One year, Brian’s oldest child spun the “big ticket” item—a weekend trip tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

The point is not extravagance. The point is intentionality.

Simple moments of joy can become lasting memories. And in Brian’s family, participation in the “summer of fun” is connected to completing daily duties. That gives the children an added incentive while reinforcing the connection between responsibility and enjoyment.

The final bucket is rest.

Most parents know that what is fun for kids is not always restful for adults. And what feels restful to adults may not sound fun to kids. But both play and rest are important.

God created us with limits. He designed us to work, but not endlessly. He calls us to enjoy His good gifts, but also to slow down and receive rest as a gift from Him.

In the busyness of summer activities, camps, trips, and family plans, rest can easily be overlooked. That is why families need to make room for quiet, unhurried time. Sometimes that may mean protecting an evening at home. Sometimes it may mean a slower morning, a Sabbath rhythm, or a break from screens and schedules.

Rest reminds us that our worth is not measured by productivity. It teaches children—and reminds adults—that we are dependent creatures who need God’s provision, not just our own effort.

Summer is a gift to stewards. It gives families a unique opportunity to shape character, build memories, and practice rhythms that reflect God’s design.

Work teaches responsibility. Play creates joy and connection. Rest reminds us to trust the Lord with our time.

As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, wisdom begins when we recognize that our days are numbered. We cannot control how quickly the summer passes, but we can choose to receive it as a gift and steward it with purpose.

So this summer, consider how your family might make room for work, play, and rest. Not as a rigid formula, but as a faithful way to number your days and seek a heart of wisdom.

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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