A Blessing for Parenting in the Summer

The joy, the mess, the meltdowns, and finding grace in each day

My dear friend and co-author

Erin Strybis

and I wrote this blessing together. It’s the words we need to remember this season and the words we hope meet you in your summer days.

God of ice cream cones and sun-kissed cheeks,
God of sticky fingers and pool-soaked bodies,
You made summertime, with its warm breezes
and ample sunshine.

You gave us wispy, white clouds for watching,
Rolling tides for splashing,
Sand for digging and building castles.

Be with me now as I parent 
my children through this season,
As we, together, navigate
Longer days and unstructured time.

You know that “School’s out for the summer” 
Contains multitudes — stress and sweetness,
dread and relief.
“What can we do?” and “Can I have another snack?”
The answer varies, depending on the hour.

To support our kids through this season means
Pool passes and park playdates,
Sports camps and Vacation Bible School,
Family travel and time unstructured.

Let us see the blank space on the calendar
Not as a challenge to be feared,
But as a gift of rest to be savored
Moments imprinted on our hearts.

Let us revel in the joy of our children
When they witness butterflies soaring
Or dandelions blooming,
When they take off on their bikes for the first time,
And savor that first ripe blueberry.

Let us celebrate their beauty
As they learn to swim and bike,
As they get lost in their favorite book,
As they slide, swing, and run at the park,
As they dig in the dirt and help plant tomatoes.

And when the days grow long and tedious,
And we cannot fathom grappling with 
one more tantrum,
Let us draw on the support of our village —
Neighbors, family, church members, friends
Let us hear: “You’re doing great.”

Remind us you are near — in the cool waters 
of the creek,
Juicy bites of watermelon,
The surprise rainbow,
The light of fireflies,
A campfire’s glow,
And the joy of watching our children grow.

Amen.