The school year is over, and the time that we placed so many hopes and dreams on is here: summer. For the last three seasons, we deferred new habits and projects and made great plans for all the great things we’d accomplish in summer. We find ourselves at the starting line.

While it’s easy to think that summer is a carefree time of fewer responsibilities, that’s not really how life works. It’s not fewer responsibilities, it’s different responsibilities. Without the time pressure of school work to be accomplished, homework to submit, and extracurriculars, something else will step into that time. The house will grow cluttered, the children will ping you throughout the day, and the task list won’t grow any shorter. These next eight weeks offer us great promise, but they offer us the promise that any other time of the year does.

The temptation is to always wait for some later, more perfect time. The truth is, we don’t have a minute to waste. If you were waiting to pray more, start praying more today. If you were hoping to have more time to read, carve out a dedicated time and defend it rigorously. Always wanting to connect with your children through bike rides and other spontaneous fun? Turn one “no” into a “yes.”

Summer is a magical time, and based on our plans, I know this one will be a standout memory for my children. Summer is rest and grace, but it is no easier or no less busy than any other time of the year. Take it in, savor each day, and start the projects and work on the goals you set aside until now.

Start the season with one more resolution. As a gift to yourself, never put off the good work for later. Starting now, wake up every day committed to being the best version of yourself. It’s who your family deserves to lead and love them, and it’s who you were made to be.