This is a family month for me.

My husband and I are watching all of our grandchildren while their parents travel. There are fifteen people in our family now. We’ll be with two sets of our married children and all of our grandchildren at various times.

So far we’ve soaked in the hot tub with grandchildren and ferried them to elementary, middle, and high schools. Warm southern nights with conversation and hooting laughter created blessed memories. Our youngest son settled in for a summer internship in the city while we were there. Fond memories warm our hearts!

Our youngest daughter just returned last night from Italy, now a seasoned world traveler with an appreciation for home and other cultures. I‘d love if we could see the remaining three—son, daughter, and son-in-law. I hope it works for them to join us at one time or another.

This is the occasion for a big break from my usual work. I’m on holiday.

Being the mother of six children has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. God has used mothering to transform me, to bless me, and to inspire me to grow. My children are the greatest gifts God has ever given their father and me. Grandchildren are a double blessing, icing on the cake.

May the Lord bless you with time with your family this summer. May it be productive and joyful and relationship building. As you nurture your children and grandchildren may you pass on treasures of yourself that will stay with them all their lives.