Lindsey Kettner

“I NEED MOMMY,” I hear my toddler scream in the wee hours of the morning. “I need Mommy, I need Mommy!” While I’m never thrilled to wake from a dead sleep to hear her screaming for me (why can’t she ask for Dad before 5am?), a part of me delights in being needed by this precious little soul. I try to focus on the joy of these fleeting moments as I shuffle into her room to scoop her up out of bed. I hear these words many, many times throughout the day.

This July 4th, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago! We are blessed by many freedoms and privileges in the United States of America, and we give thanks for the opportunity to work for liberty and justice for all of God’s children. Many people have sacrificed much – even their lives – to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Enjoying freedom, however, does not mean that we do whatever we please at the expense of others.

You know what’s coming soon—school will be out, weather will warm up, summer activities and sports and vacations begin. It’s a fun yet crazy time of year as we’re thrown off our regular schedules and routines for a few months. But here’s what I challenge you to do—keep your faith an active and thriving part of your life. When we’re on vacation or summer break, good habits tend to slide a bit.