“What are your plans for summer?”
It’s the big question being asked and answered as the sun stakes its claim high in the blue yonder and kids stuff school backpacks in deep recesses of closets.
Most of us have the best intentions of creating summer memories with loved ones, taking a much-needed break from the busy, or going away for an actual vacation. But in reality, we know it will fly by at breakneck speed, and come September, we’ll look back with whiplash and wonder what happened and why we missed out.
I love this quote from Lysa TerKeurst: “We have to slow the rhythm of rush in our lives so that the best of who we are can emerge.” Perhaps we need to take a moment before things heat up, to be intentional with what truly matters this summer. Relationships, rest, reading His Word, relishing the simple joys in the everyday: Sibling laughter and fresh strawberries; spontaneous movie nights and damp beach towels on deck railings; even muddy footprints reminding us messy is okay and bulldogs live here.
James 4:14 reminds us, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (NIV). Life is a whirlwind, a “mist,” and we only get a limited number of summers, friend. Let’s make this one count. So let’s stop long enough to smell the sweet roses and give thanks. We’ll get to experience everyday graces and life will be richer and fuller.
That sounds like a summer plan to me!