As we look out the window here in chilly Pennsylvania, thousands of miles from our family in Tucson, autumn is in full swing and will soon give way to winter. The cold air has settled in, and the trees — once fully ablaze with color — are beginning to reveal their bare branches. All of this reminds us that God’s creation is preparing for a season of rest. Plants will go dormant, animals will settle into their winter shelters, and even we will find ourselves wanting to curl up inside by a warm fire.
Indeed, to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Isn’t it beautiful how the natural rhythms of God’s creation reflect our own God-given need for rest?
But, we must ask ourselves if our lives are honoring God’s design for rest? As nature settles into a quiet season, perhaps we should follow its example. Autumn and winter invite us to slow down, examine our schedules, and prepare our homes, families, and hearts for a different pace.
For young families especially, it’s tempting to squeeze every possible activity into the holiday months. Invitations to gatherings, school events, play dates, group outings, and family traditions pile up quickly. It’s easy to promise to load up the kids and travel to every nearby relative so everyone in the family can experience Thanksgiving or Christmas with the new baby and children. Before you know it, every weekend is booked through the end of the year.
But what about what’s most important — Christ? Have we left room for our souls to breathe? Have we planned time to rest, to listen for God’s voice, and to draw closer to Him? What would it look like to keep a few weekends open — unprogrammed and unhurried — so we can bless others, serve together as a family, or simply be the hands and feet of Jesus?
If we don’t guard space for God, we’ll lack the strength and clarity we need when kingdom opportunities arise. Traditions are wonderful, but what will transform our children most deeply is witnessing real connection with God and with one another.
Now that December has arrived, let’s shed the unnecessary pressures of a full schedule. Let’s take time each morning to pray and draw closer to God and make room for Him in our home, in our family, in our schedule and in our hearts.
What if our new tradition became this: to pray, to rest, and — as Psalms 46:10 tells us — to be still, and know that He is God.
About the authors: Tamara and Randy live in New Cumberland, PA with their two young children, Randall and Elinor.
Indeed, to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Isn’t it beautiful how the natural rhythms of God’s creation reflect our own God-given need for rest?
But, we must ask ourselves if our lives are honoring God’s design for rest? As nature settles into a quiet season, perhaps we should follow its example. Autumn and winter invite us to slow down, examine our schedules, and prepare our homes, families, and hearts for a different pace.
For young families especially, it’s tempting to squeeze every possible activity into the holiday months. Invitations to gatherings, school events, play dates, group outings, and family traditions pile up quickly. It’s easy to promise to load up the kids and travel to every nearby relative so everyone in the family can experience Thanksgiving or Christmas with the new baby and children. Before you know it, every weekend is booked through the end of the year.
But what about what’s most important — Christ? Have we left room for our souls to breathe? Have we planned time to rest, to listen for God’s voice, and to draw closer to Him? What would it look like to keep a few weekends open — unprogrammed and unhurried — so we can bless others, serve together as a family, or simply be the hands and feet of Jesus?
If we don’t guard space for God, we’ll lack the strength and clarity we need when kingdom opportunities arise. Traditions are wonderful, but what will transform our children most deeply is witnessing real connection with God and with one another.
Now that December has arrived, let’s shed the unnecessary pressures of a full schedule. Let’s take time each morning to pray and draw closer to God and make room for Him in our home, in our family, in our schedule and in our hearts.
What if our new tradition became this: to pray, to rest, and — as Psalms 46:10 tells us — to be still, and know that He is God.
About the authors: Tamara and Randy live in New Cumberland, PA with their two young children, Randall and Elinor.
Posted in Family