Summer goes all too quickly! July 4 has arrived, set off its last fire crackers, and departed already! I hope you’ve been making the most of opportunities to visit with your children and grandchildren these past weeks. And I hope you plan to exploit the next few weeks for that purpose, too, enjoying some family time before the school year arrives and plants both feet across your September calendar.

I like to leverage the homework-free summer months to explore the Bible more fully with my children. They take a special interest in our family’s fully illustrated children’s Bible, and I’ve found that reading the stories together opens up many very teachable moments.

Whether you have children at home or not, it’s also important to walk through the doors summer opens for personal spiritual growth. I highly recommend that you find a retreat center in your area and take full advantage of it!

I’ve developed a habit of doing that once a year. It helps me rest, relax, and recharge. It also makes it possible for me to continue to do my best with the various life responsibilities Jesus entrusts to me throughout the rest of the year. Type “Christian Retreat Centers” into your Internet search engine to find a facility near your home.

Christian retreat centers are usually operated by religious orders, some by local churches or groups of churches. Most are simple, but comfortable. In general, they cost much less per day than a motel and are located in quieter settings, more conducive to prayer, Scripture study, and meditation. For people inclined to solitude, two or three days at a retreat center can create more relaxation than the two or three weeks of a typical sight-seeing vacation!