Beware of Summer Temptation

I know it's only January, but this is the season where Summer temptations start popping up.  Band Camp, Ballet Camp, Boy Scouts, Bible Camp  (that's alot of "B's"!) they are all so wonderful!  Irresistable... Amazing Opportunities for Development and Spiritual Growth...

Be careful of what you commit your children to in the summer.  I'm am the worst offender.  There is no one who loves camps more than me.  My husband will attest to the vast array of experiences we've shipped and scrimped and saved for our children to experience.  And certain of these have been life shaping experiences... 

But, "all that glitters is not gold"... the most important thing for your children in the summer is having time with YOU.  I know you don't feel that important.  But what if we give all of our time away to all these programs and our children aren't around enough for us to take them on a camping trip or out to the golf course or for a lazy summer day picnic at Lake Michigan with Grandpa and Grandma? What have they missed then?  How does God want to shape their souls through those very simple things that only we can give them.  

God has given our children to us as the most important factor besides Him in their lives.  Be careful not to unintentionally surrender to the counterfeits.  I am the guiltiest of all!