08/13/2026
The article, “Don’t Leave Summer Behind” by DeAnna Coburn, encourages families to carry the lessons, relationships, and spiritual growth of summer with them as they head back into the busy school year.
The main message is that summer experiences shouldn’t end when summer does. During summer, families often have more opportunities to spend time together, serve others, attend church or Vacation Bible School, make new friends, and practice kindness, patience, generosity, courage, and trust in God.
As school begins, the author encourages children and adults to recognize that everyone has gifts they can use to make a difference, referencing 1 Peter 4:10. Those gifts don’t have to be impressive or reach a large audience. Small acts such as inviting a lonely child to play, standing up for someone being excluded, helping another family, volunteering, encouraging someone, or praying for someone can have a meaningful impact.
The article reminds readers that God can use seemingly small actions in extraordinary ways, pointing to biblical examples such as Jesus feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish and using a mustard seed to illustrate great faith.
One practical suggestion is for families to ask at the end of each day:
“How did you use one of the gifts God gave you today?”
Ultimately, the article encourages families to enter the new school year intentionally, carrying forward the faith, friendships, kindness, service, and lessons developed over the summer and looking for everyday opportunities to encourage others and “shine His light.”