Rooted & Refreshed

Summer Doesn't Have To Swallow You Whole. Navigating Summer with Grace.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Summer has a way of sneaking up on us.

One minute, we’re dreaming of slower mornings and sunshine. The next—we’re buried under a tangle of shifting schedules, travel plans, family logistics, ministry prep, and the constant hum of “What’s next?”

For women who lead—whether in ministry, motherhood, the marketplace, or all of the above—summer can feel anything but restful. The routines that anchor us disappear, and suddenly we’re managing even more while trying to pretend it’s all carefree.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to let summer swallow you whole.

Instead of reacting to the chaos, what if we chose to lead ourselves with intention? What if we let God shape our pace, our priorities, and even our plans?

Rhythms over Ridged Schedules

Let’s be honest—summer rarely sticks to a script. The moment we try to force a strict routine, life throws in a thunderstorm or a forgotten camp form. So rather than building rigid systems, try asking:

What rhythms would help me flourish in this season?

Maybe it’s starting your day with five minutes of stillness before the house wakes up. Or making Friday nights sacred again with a Sabbath meal. Or choosing three non-negotiables for the week: time in Scripture, time outside, and time with someone who makes you laugh.

You don’t need to control every hour. You just need to create space for what matters.

You Can’t Do It All- and You’re Not Supposed To

Repeat this out loud: I don’t have to do it all.

Say it again.

This is the season to embrace margin. To leave room for rest, for God’s interruptions, and for your own soul to breathe. That may mean saying no to good things—so you can say yes to the best things.

You are not selfish for needing rest. You are not failing for feeling overwhelmed. You are human, and God is still leading.

Lead with Grace, Not Guilt

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That’s not about cramming more in—it’s about learning to live wisely and well.

So as summer unfolds, ask yourself:

What would a grace-filled summer look like? What truly matters right now? What do I need to release?

You were never meant to hustle through this season.
You were created to live it—rooted in grace, guided by peace, and held by a God who never takes a vacation from you.

Let’s lead this summer with lightness.
Let’s choose rhythms that restore, not rush.

And let’s remember: you don’t have to survive the summer—you can thrive in it.

My Prayer for you…

Lord,
I lift up my friend to You—the one who gives so much, leads with love, and carries more than she shows. You see the weight she’s under, and You know the pace her heart is trying to keep. Would You remind her today that she doesn’t have to do it all? That she is held, seen, and deeply loved—not for what she produces, but for who she is in You.
Give her the courage to release what’s not hers to carry, and the wisdom to choose what brings life. May she find rest that restores, rhythms that bring peace, and moments of pure joy in Your presence. Be her anchor in the shifting seasons.

Reflection Questions:

So often we consume things: social media posts, books, podcasts with the intention of change. My hope is that these weekly reflection questions would give you the opportunity to journal or pray over what we’re digging into for the week for lasting change.

What do I feel pressured to say yes to this summer? What would it look like to create margin? What is one “yes” and one “no” I need to make this week?