Those lazy, crazy days of summer… you’ll wish that summer will always be here. A catchy little tune sung by Nat King Cole came to mind this week as many families, like my own, relax, sleep in, hang-out at the pool, and go on vacation. But I have found within a few short weeks, being out of routine with long, hot sunny afternoons, can cause me anxiety – eventually wishing the summer days were over.

There’s a healthy tension of being lazy and feeling productive.  When I’m prone to become lazy physically, I tend to let that seep over into other areas of my spiritual life.

God understands when we need rest from the routine. As a matter of fact, God commands that we rest. Scripture addresses our need to work being similar to exercising our muscles, we need to be disciplined and “work out” spiritually. The apostle Paul mentions that physical training is of some value, but spiritual training has great value, holding promise to the present and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

Statistics prove if we maintain a healthy routine of when we sleep and wake, exercise and diet, our bodies feel and function better. *  To beat the summertime blues, I am learning to keep my mind and body in the game by staying disciplined.  (I use the word discipline in a positive light.)

I’ve been through the seasons of little sleep when my kids were younger. There is abundant grace when the kiddos are young.

But lately, I’ve been in a mental fog. At my house, my teenagers stay up late and sleep in late. Their routine is crazy! My body can’t function on their schedule.

Once in awhile I sleep in; but I have found, I’m “on top of my game” if I start my day early in my prayer chair while the kids are still sleeping. I grab my cup of coffee, my Bible, journal, and pen, and head out on the porch.

If the summertime crazies have hit your house, remember to stay on “top of your game” by adding this discipline to your summer routine.  You’ll approach the lazy days of summer much differently!.