“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 Builds Character
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.
Play Creates Memories
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.
Rest Must Be Prioritized
