Embracing Summer’s Slow Pace + Free Gratitude Journal
The older I get the more nostalgic I also become. I’ve always been a very sentimental person, but I feel like my nostalgia for days gone by has grown exponentially in the last year or two. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about Old School Summertime and ways to bring back that old-school summertime feeling.
Be sure to download your exclusive printable gratitude journal at the bottom of the post!
I’ve been watching my daughter’s two pups this week while she and her new husband look for a place to live in Florida. It’s been a quiet week, but the last month has been pretty hectic. I’ve been happy to be home and enjoying slow days with nowhere to go this week. And I’ve been taking lots of naps!
Originally published June 29, 2024. Updated June 29, 2025.
As summer unfolds, it invites us to embrace a slower pace and relish in the warmth of the season. In the hustle of daily life (especially when you have a passel of kids), it can be easy to feel overwhelmed – but summer to slow down, pause, and reflect!
What does summer look like at your house?
One of my favorite verses is: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
This scripture is a great reminder that life happens in seasons, with each season having its own special purpose and rhythm. As homemakers, on any given day, we’re juggling multiple responsibilities, from managing our households to nurturing our families. I think this verse is fitting when we think of embracing a slower pace this summer.
Embracing Summer’s Slow Pace
In Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman is diligent and purposeful, yet she also embodies grace and wisdom. Verse 25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This verse reminds us that while we are called to be industrious, we should also approach life with joy and confidence.
It’s important to balance this industriousness with rest and intentional joy, and I think the slower pace of summer is the perfect time to think about how we can better balance the busyness of life with the God-given need for rest.
Years ago I found myself facing real burnout because I was just doing to much and stretched too thin. I needed to take a step back and take a look at my priorities. I also realized I needed to be intentional about creating moments of joy in my life every single day.
Finding Balance in the Season
Summer’s slow pace allows us to find a balance between work and rest. We can take this time to reconnect with our families, enjoy nature, and deepen our relationship with God. Spending as time outdoors as possible will nurture your spirit and provide a peaceful backdrop for Bible reading and prayer. In fact, sunshine is one of the eight laws of health!
Here are a few tips for balancing productivity and rest while embracing the slower pace of summer:
- Set Priorities: Identify the most important tasks for the day. Let go of non-essential activities to create space for relaxation.
- Establish Routines: Create a flexible daily routine that includes time for work, rest, and leisure. This helps maintain a sense of balance without feeling overwhelmed.
- Embrace Outdoor Activities: Incorporate outdoor activities that combine movement and relaxation, such as walking or gardening, to refresh your mind and body.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on electronic devices to free up time for other activities that promote relaxation and connection with loved ones.
- Enjoy Simple Pleasures: Take time to savor small joys like a quiet cup of tea, watching a sunset, or spending time with family, fostering a sense of contentment.
Reflecting on Proverbs 31:26, the Bible says, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” I want to encourage you to use this season to cultivate wisdom and a more thoughtful tongue. And, as the Bible says, be slow to speak but quick to listen. (James 1:19)
As we slow down, we have more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and offer gentle care and support to those around us.
One of my favorite artists is Charlie Mackesey. My daughters gave me one of his books for Christmas a few years ago. His messages evoke a quite care and kindness that is so uttrely meaningful in a world that is often so filled with hate.
I share his artwork on my Instagram and Facebook stories a lot if you follow me over there!
When you slow down, you have time to really see the world around you. You have time to notice those who are hurting. You have time to give care and attention to others in a way you just cannot do when you’re always rushing about.
And when you slow down, you have less stress. And less stress often means less irritability and frustration, which means a kinder, gentler you.
And on a similar vein, I saw an article the other day about the effects of hurrying children through childhood. Here’s a quote:
Most of us have had one of those days when we’ve thought, Wouldn’t it be nice if I could be a kid again, without all the stress of my job and the pressure to succeed? But did you ever consider that many kids today are feeling the same stress that adults feel?
In a culture that emphasizes success, children are bombarded daily to grow up too quickly. They are pressured to learn to read and count even before they can walk; to outperform the other kids in their kindergarten class; to be self-sufficient, productive and disciplined. This rushed childhood creates undue stress that many psychologists believe can have devastating effects.
By Dr. Gail Gross, Huff Post
Doesn’t that break your heart? It’s time that we, as women, mothers, and homemakers, set the pace for a slower life, not just for ourselves, but for those we love the most.
Bible Verses to Embrace this Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Practical Steps for a Slower Pace
- Morning Reflection: Begin your day with a moment of prayer. Read a verse from Proverbs 31 or whatever book of the Bible you want to start reading and ask God how it can apply to your day. This daily practice can set a positive tone and provide spiritual grounding.
- Embrace Simplicity: Simplify your to-do list. Focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary tasks. Having margin in your day is important.
- Joy in Small Moments: Find joy in the little things—an evening walk, a shared meal, or simply watching the sunset. When you take time to notice simple moments of joy, you’ll feel a greater sense of joy and contentment that only gratitude can bring.
Summer is such a sweet gift—it’s an opportunity to slow down and embrace the beauty of life, to get out and reconnect with nature, and to savor simple pleasures. It’s a time to nurture relationships, find joy in small moments, and reflect on the blessings around us.
Summer time really does invite us to be more present, to take time to rest and rejuvenate our spirits, so that we can have renewed energy and more gratitude. I hope you’ll embrace this season fully, and cherish the slower pace summer brings!
More Articles You’ll Enjoy
- How to Stop Being an Angry Mom
- 16 Meaningful Sabbath Activities for Families You’ll Love
- 42 Inspiring Joy in the Morning Bible Verses
Exclusive: Printable Gratitude Journal
How to Download
Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive this Summer Gratitude Journal right in your inbox! If you’re a member of the Homemaker’s Society, you can download this and so many more printable resources in the member libraries!
