When Summer Feels Like a Marathon: Grace for Moms and Joyful Moments That Matter
Hey there, Mama.
If you’re reading this in between pouring juice, refereeing sibling squabbles, and Googling “easy dinners with five ingredients,” I just want to say: you are not alone.
Summer is one of those seasons we romanticize all year long. You know : splash pads, popsicles, sticky smiles, long walks at dusk. And yes, those moments do happen. They’re magical and sweet and worth every sun-kissed second.
But summer also has a way of stretching you. It interrupts your routines, multiplies your laundry, and turns your once-quiet afternoons into a chorus of “I’m hungry!” and “I’m bored!” and “Can we go somewhere?”
So if you're feeling a little overwhelmed, worn out, or wondering if you're the only mom who isn’t enjoying every second of this break, the truth is, you’re doing better than you think.
Grace for the Summer Days
The truth is, we live in a culture that subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) tells moms that we need to be all the things.
The fun planner. The Pinterest-worthy activity director. The healthy snack provider. The peacekeeper. The spiritual leader. The memory-maker.
That’s a whole lot to carry. Especially when, let’s be honest, some days the only plan you have is to make it to bedtime with your sanity intact.
But here's the freeing truth of the gospel:
God never asked you to be perfect. He asked you to be present.
Your kids don’t need a perfect summer. They need you. The real, messy, grace-filled you who shows up every day and chooses love, even when it's hard.
They’ll remember the warmth of your arms. The way you spoke truth over them in ordinary moments. The safe place you created, even in the chaos.
Little Hands, Big Truths
When you have young kids, summer becomes both an opportunity and a challenge.
You want to nurture their creativity, keep their minds active, and plant seeds of faith in their hearts. But you also need to breathe, and maybe have a coffee that doesn’t get cold in the process!
That’s why we recently added the God Made Me Sticker Book—a screen-free, soul-nurturing activity that’s fun for kids and gives you a much-needed breather.
It’s more than stickers. It’s a reminder that your child was made in the image of God, with intention and love.
Each page gently affirms identity in Christ through engaging visuals and Scripture-based affirmations, perfect for quiet time, Sunday bag activities, or even during church services when you need to keep little hands busy.
It’s easy, beautiful, and leaves your child with more than just a finished page, it leaves them with truths that take root.
Wonder Outside the Four Walls
Let’s talk about the great outdoors. Sometimes the best antidote to cabin fever is just getting outside—even if it’s just to the backyard or sidewalk.
That’s where the Glory Nature Board comes in.
This is one of our favorite tools for sparking conversation and curiosity. It turns a simple walk around the block or a trip to the park into a holy moment of discovery.
With prompts, visuals, and Scripture references, the Glory Nature Board helps your child explore the idea that creation tells the story of the Creator.
A butterfly isn’t just a bug—it’s a reminder of transformation.
A thunderstorm isn’t just weather—it’s a picture of God’s power.
The stillness of a sunset? That’s His peace, on display.
This resource reminds us all—adults included—that we serve a God who is deeply personal and beautifully present in every petal, every breeze, and every buzzing bee.
Holy Work in Hidden Moments
Listen, mama. You may not be leading a Bible study this summer. You might not have elaborate devotional time each morning with your kids. And that’s okay.
You are still leading.
You’re leading when you wipe tears and speak life.
You’re leading when you turn off the screen and sit beside your child with intention.
You’re leading when you choose joy (or at least patience) in the grocery aisle meltdown.
You’re leading when you whisper prayers over your home while folding laundry.
You are doing holy work.
Not because it’s Instagram-worthy, but because it’s kingdom-worthy.
Jesus sees it. All of it. The early mornings. The late nights. The tiny sacrifices. The big feelings.
He is with you in the routine, in the noise, and in the quiet corners of your day where no one else sees, but He does.
Give Yourself the Same Grace You Give Your Kids
It’s easy to extend grace to everyone else. You tell your kids it’s okay to make mistakes. You remind them that they’re learning, growing, doing their best.
But mama—you need that grace, too.
You’re not failing if your kids watched a little extra TV today.
You’re not falling behind if you didn’t make it to that library craft.
You’re not doing it wrong if your house is loud, messy, and full of life.
You are exactly where you’re supposed to be: walking hand-in-hand with the Lord, showing your kids what faith looks like in real time.
A Final Word: You’ve Got This
This summer won’t be perfect. And thank God it doesn’t have to be.
It will be real. It will be messy. It will be loud. And it will be full of moments that matter.
So go ahead—pull out that sticker book when you need a minute to yourself. Pack the nature board in your diaper bag for your next park outing. Whisper a prayer over your kitchen sink and remember that the work you’re doing isn’t small.
It’s eternal.
We’re cheering for you.
We’re walking with you.
And we’re reminding you that you were made for this—even the sticky, sun-soaked, snack-filled days of summer.
With grace and sisterhood,
The Church Girl Collective
