During the school year, set aside the weekends for family fun.

I was thinking about how, in the beginning of the school year, class time and homework replaces what used to be free time for fun.  We have to be creative to avoid becoming an “all work and no play family”.  Here are some suggestions that come to mind.  This will  help us to look forward to recapturing a couple of days for fun and games each weekend.

Have a family meeting during the week to make plans for having fun on the coming weekend. Everyone can write their version of fun on a card and place it in a jar.  Dad and Mom will make the final decision based on how much money is available to finance each event.  Most public parks and beaches have no admission fees. Just pack a picnic basket and head out.  Another advantage is that pets on a leash are usually welcome.  But, you don’t have to leave home to have fun.  You can set up a badminton net and horseshoes in your own backyard and invite friends to join you for a cook out.

God definitely approves of us resting at the end of our work week or whenever we are tired.  He also rested after six days of creating the earth and everything in it.  There is a twofold blessing resulting from our time of rest and relaxation.  Our minds and bodies are refreshed and we are developing a closer bonding with each other.  Only God in His wisdom is able to direct our paths for our own good.  We really do not know what is best for us but He does.  The world expects us to go full speed ahead 24-7.  God expects us to rest and trust in Him.

These scriptures outline the guidelines to assure us that we are following His ways and not our ways.

Exodus 31:15 – “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord.”

Exodus 31:17 – “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day, He rested and was refreshed.”

Exodus 20:9 – “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.”

Psalm   37:7 – “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Proverbs 3:5,6 – “ Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:7,8 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.”

Psalm 37:3-5 – “ Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

I pray that all of us will be blessed , knowing what God expects from us and putting it into practice daily.

Thank you for reading this,

Great Granny Witt