There's more to summer than relaxing on the beach. While there is plenty of value in rest, you'll also want to take advantage of the many restorative and personally fulfilling opportunities that this unique season provides. Below, we offer a few ideas for living out your faith this summer:

Strengthen Your Relationships

Christ instructs us to love one another and yet, mired down in our usual to-do lists, we fail to follow this basic command. We are built by the master Creator to have fulfilling relationships, and for a Christian there are few worthier pursuits than to spend time with loved ones. If you've spent months away from them, summer may grant you the time you need to maintain or even strengthen these bonds. From pool parties to backyard barbecues, you'll enjoy catching up in person, rather than over the phone or social media. It's not all about lighthearted conversation. As a Christian, you are called upon to care for others.Keep an eye open to suffering around you. Be prepared to provide emotional and spiritual support where it's needed. Your friends and family members should know that they can unburden themselves of their worries and fears in your presence — and that you're always happy to help.

Get Reacquainted with Your Bible

If you're like many students, you find yourself thoroughly consumed by textbooks throughout the school year. Now that you finally have a little spare time, dedicate some of your reading efforts to your Bible. Consider joining a summer Bible study if any are available in your area. Otherwise, feel free to peruse your Bible at your own pace.

Keep a journal as you explore new Bible passages or revisit favorites. Recording your thoughts and reactions may help you to better conceptualize the concepts you come across. Explore the applications of these passages. This is a great way to grow stronger in faith and to understand how this beautiful, God-breathed book is still so important 2,000 years after it was written. You'll be amazed by the many ways in which Biblical concepts are at play in your home and community.

Expand Your Reading List

The Bible can form the basis of an excellent summer of reading. Beyond this essential, however, you'll find plenty of literary options for both insight and entertainment. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day and curl up with a faith-based book.

Not sure where to start?. If you're on the hunt for personal reading options, be sure to add these wonderful Christian books to your list:

· The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons

· Crazy Love by Francis Chan

· Lies Young Women Believe: And the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Dannah Gresh

· Let the Journey Begin: Finding God's Best for Your Life by Max Lucado

· Quarter-Life Calling: Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose in Your Twenties by Paul Sohn

Relearn to Pray

If you've fallen into a habit of only praying on Sundays or when you're worried about an upcoming exam, it's time to break out of the trap and establish a more routine prayer life. Summer provides you with more time to relearn how to pray, and the impact prayer has in our lives as believers. If you struggle to get started, begin by thanking God for the many blessings you've received throughout the school year and during the summer. Daily devotionals may also prove helpful; many are designed explicitly for college students and young adults.

Embrace a Spirit of Service

Opportunities for volunteerism abound during the summer months. Whether you feel called to a local animal shelter, food shelf, or Habitat for Humanity, you'll love the spirit of service at local charities and service organizations. Many churches have ways to serve in a small way on Sundays and beyond. Dedicate yourself to a worthy cause and determine where your talents can best be utilized. Whether you commit to a few hours here and there or go all out with an in-depth volunteer project, you will gain a greater sense of confidence as you see how your efforts benefit others in your community. If you make a regular income, try tithing ten percent of your pay. You are never too young to put aside a portion of what you make to be a resource for God’s work, because it is a great blessing to understand everything you have belongs to God. When you serve with all your resources, monetary or otherwise, the Bible says “you shall be blessed.”

Share Your Love of God

Don't feel too discouraged if mission trips are out of reach. You can still share your faith within your community. One of the best places to start: your local church, which may require assistance with vacation Bible camp or other summer programs. This is your opportunity to help a new generation of believers grow in their faith. Outside of signing up for a Bible program, you can share your love of God simply by chatting about your faith with loved ones. You never know where a meaningful conversation might lead.

Make this summer a season of intention. There's nothing wrong with relaxation, but you'll come away feeling far more rejuvenated if you take this time to invest in your faith journey.

If you’d like to learn about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.