Several years ago at Legacy Family Camp, one of our volunteers was talking about the summer plans he had with his children. As he shared the memories they were creating, he kept repeating one phrase: “I’ve only got 6 more summers.”
At first, it sounded almost fatalistic, as if in six years someone would be gone. But as he explained what God had placed on his heart, I realized he wasn’t speaking from fear. He was speaking from intentionality.
“I have six more summers. Six more opportunities to invest in this way. Six more opportunities to pour into my kids. Six more opportunities to create memories, teach them, encourage them, and point them toward Jesus.”
What a powerful perspective.
The truth is, our children’s seasons with us are shorter than we often realize. There are moments when parenting feels like it will last forever, but then suddenly we find ourselves looking back and wondering where the time went.
Why Intentional Christian Parenting Matters
The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short
When children are young, the days can feel endless. The early mornings, homework struggles, sibling disagreements, endless activities, and constant needs can make parenting feel exhausting. It is easy to become focused on simply getting through the day rather than recognizing the incredible opportunity we have in front of us.
But then, almost overnight, the seasons change.
The little ones who once begged to go everywhere with us begin wanting more independence. The family vacations that were once the highlight of the year become less important than time with friends. Summer days once spent together are replaced by jobs, activities, and new responsibilities.
This is a natural and important part of growing up. Our goal as parents is not to keep our children dependent on us forever. Our goal is to raise children who know who they are in Christ, understand God’s truth, and are prepared to make wise choices when we are no longer right beside them.
That is why intentional parenting matters. The question is not simply, “How do I get through this stage?” The question is, “How am I using this stage to build my child’s faith?”
Family Discipleship Doesn’t End When School Begins
For many families, summer creates space for connection. Vacations, camps, family outings, and slower schedules give us opportunities to make memories and spend meaningful time together. But when the school year begins, it is easy for that intentional connection to get pushed aside.
The calendar fills quickly. School clothes need to be purchased. Supplies need to be organized. Teachers need to be met. Sports, activities, and homework begin filling our evenings. Before we know it, we are simply managing schedules instead of nurturing relationships.
But the intentionality of “six more summers” should not disappear when summer ends.
Family Discipleship Happens Every Day
The school year is not a season to step away from investing in our children. In many ways, it is one of the most important times to build connection. Our children need time with both mom and dad every day—not because they need constant entertainment, but because their hearts were created for connection.
It is in the everyday moments that we have opportunities to teach them about the steadfast love of God. Faith is not only built during church services, family camps, or special events. Faith is built in the car ride to school, during bedtime conversations, around the dinner table, and in the quiet moments when a child opens their heart and asks questions.
This is family discipleship.
Start a School Year Tradition: Pray Scripture Over Your Child
As this school year begins, I want to challenge you to choose one Bible verse that becomes your family’s verse for the year.
Find a promise from God. Insert your child’s name into that promise. Then begin praying it over them every day.
It can happen in the car on the way to school. It can happen before bedtime. It can happen while they are getting ready in the morning. It does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. The power is found in consistency and in speaking God’s truth over your child’s life.
Before long, both you and your child may have that Scripture memorized. More importantly, your child will begin hearing God’s promises spoken over them in a personal and meaningful way.
For example:
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
You can personalize this verse by praying:
“Do not fear, Andrew, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen Andrew and help Andrew. I will uphold Andrew with My righteous right hand.”
Another example:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Pray it this way:
“For I know the plans I have for Kimberly,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper Kimberly and not to harm Kimberly, plans to give Kimberly hope and a future.”
Teaching Children to Trust God’s Promises
As you pray Scripture over your child, take time to talk about what the verse means. Ask questions like, “What do you think God is promising you in this verse?” or “How does this remind you that God is with you?”
Help your child understand that God’s promises are not simply encouraging words. They are truth. They are something we can stand on confidently when life feels uncertain.
Throughout the year, pay attention to what God is doing in your child’s heart. You may discover other verses that become meaningful. Write them down. Keep track of the prayers you pray and the ways you see God moving in your child’s life.
These moments become part of your family’s story.
You May Only Have 6 More School Years
The phrase “six more summers” is a reminder that every season is temporary. But perhaps we should also count the school years. The bedtime prayers. The conversations in the car. The moments when we can encourage, teach, and point our children back to Jesus.
You may only have a limited number of years before your child steps into greater independence. How will you invest in those years?
Will you simply manage the schedule, or will you use the moments God gives you to build faith that lasts?
The days may feel long, but the years are short.
Invest well. Build intentionally. Point your children to Jesus in every season.
Because the greatest legacy we can leave our children is not simply the memories we create with them. It is the faith we help build within them.
How can I pray Scripture over my child?
Choose a Bible verse that speaks to your child’s current season, personalize it by inserting their name, and pray it consistently throughout the day. For more tips on how to pray scripture over your child, see Pray Like Paul.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
How to Raise Faith-Filled Families (Even When Life Feels Busy) | Legacy Ministries International
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