The Summer of Presence
By Annie Horner, MA, Professional Counselor Associate
The end of the school year is truly in sight. After navigating the highs and lows of sports, plays, music lessons, homework help, and milestone events, the days of sunshine and play are finally arriving. With summer, however, come new opportunities—each offering its own tempting invitation.
It’s true: experiences create treasured memories and stories we carry through life. But this summer, I’m intentionally choosing not to confuse experiences with connection. I want to invite you, dear reader, to practice presence—with our loved ones, with ourselves, and with the Lord.
We live in a busy culture; many of us know it, and we feel it. There is always more to be done—at work, in our families, in our churches, or in our own personal growth. As I’ve been reflecting on the sacredness of relationships, a verse has stayed with me:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
In this passage, Jesus speaks of true discipleship—following Him in both suffering and faithfulness. He was offering something difficult but deeply worthwhile, something radically different from the expectations and values of that time. While honoring the weight of His message, I’ve also been reflecting on how easy it is to try to add “more” to our lives and in doing so, lose what matters most. I believe this is a core temptation of our age: to gain more, only to lose being present.
Maybe your summer calendar is already filling up (mine certainly is!). Still, I want to keep the most important thing at the center: presence and connection. The meaningful moments we need aren’t far away—they’re in the car rides, around the dinner table, and in our backyards.
Here are a few simple practices to help keep presence front and center this summer:
Your phone: Treat your cell phone like a home phone—leave it in one room and check it as needed. Use tools like screen-time limits, the Brick app, or simply delete non-essential apps. Set a unique ringtone for family members so you’re not rushing to every ping.
Work boundaries: Block out designated work hours on your calendar—and protect your off-time. Use an auto-reply for emails to let people know when you’ll respond next. It helps you fully rest when you’re off the clock.
For families: Give your kids unscheduled time for unsupervised play. It’s where creativity blooms, mistakes are made, and connection grows. It’s okay—even good—for them to be bored! Instead of scrambling to entertain, say, “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
Prepare for rest: If you know a week is going to be full, block off recovery days afterward. Say “no” to new commitments during that time. Balance stimulation with rest through quiet activities like walking, drawing, reading, or stargazing.
Embrace the simple: Laugh with your children and friends. Make eye contact. Slow down. Watch your kids play. Absorb the moment you’re in—it won’t last forever.
I’m planning now so that when August comes, I feel rested and connected. This isn’t a call to skip the summer camp or cancel the family trip. It’s a call to remember: gaining the world means nothing if we lose the basics.
As challenging as it may be in our fast-paced world, when we slow down—with God, with ourselves, and with one another—we open ourselves to something deeper and more lasting than even the most exciting summer experience can offer.
To schedule a counseling or parenting coaching appointment with Annie, email her at annie@livingwholehearted.com