Do you like the rush? Summer is fast paced. Yet, I remember a time where summer was much more laid back. Christian Camp, Vacation Bible School and summer ball league was about it. By the time that was over any parent was glad. Yet, a week of vacation could easily be squeezed into the summer mix.

Summer school was for those needing to catch up on a core subject, but now it includes golf or canoeing. Used to be, there was only baseball/softball in the summer, but now there is basketball and soccer, and depending where you live more sports than that, not counting the sports camps.

I'm not complaining about the options we and our children have during the summer. What I am concerned about is the family. More mothers work now. They must juggle their children from child care to activity all summer long. Dads continue to work, and the hours are varied. Getting vacation time to coincide with one another is difficult.

Some households have only a mother, and there is no help from a dad or vice-versa. This really complicates things. Being worn out is the norm for these dedicated parents.

Life is complicated all year around, yet when we expect a break, the activity level meant to bring recreation or relaxation only causes more stress. What can you do to help make the summer less stressful and more enjoyable?

First, prioritize. What activities are best for your family to be involved in? Which activities take less involvement? Which activities are worth greater involvement?

Second, select family involved activities for the summer. How can these activities give the family time together? If dad is playing ball in one town, son at the home field, and daughter is playing soccer, where is mom?

Third, don't be afraid of scaling down. Have a family conference. Talk about family time and how the family can enjoy time together. School and work have taken much family time through the year, now summer activities and work do the same. I have heard it said, "Love is spelled T-I-M-E." Of course, time is a precious commodity. Spending time with those you love is very important.

The Apostle Paul said, Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 ~ NIV)

The activities I've mentioned aren't evil, but the days are. We can easily be swayed into good activities, which steal T-I-M-E from our family. It may be more important to be a parent in the stands supporting the son or daughter than be playing ourselves. The camping trip may be more important than the sports camp.

I know the issues. You may say, "If my child doesn't attend the sports, music, or cheerleading camp they will be penalized by the school coach." Have a talk with the coach, and if you get that impression speak with your school board members. School is out. The school administrators aren't enemies. They want to provide your children a good education and provide sporting opportunities to them. If you find out that the school has another agenda, then do something about it.

This summer be wise and make the most of your T-I-M-E. Make it time together. Together brings familiarity. Together time allows for you to know each other's needs. Together time can reveal areas where the family needs to grow.

By the way, Noah saved his family by going against the norm. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 ~ NIV)