Sweet Summertime

Sweet, sweet summertime!!! Summer months are deliciously refreshing and rejuvenating---- a season where I am not ruled by a to-do list.  Don't get me wrong..... I'm a huge fan of living with assorted lists.  Every day I have 2 to 3 things noted that I would like to accomplish before sunset.  Even my classroom (with pages of lesson plans) couldn't function without that 3x8 piece of paper beside the computer listing the top details and priorities for the day.   Yet, as we enter the second half of summer,  I'm struck that a packing list and a grocery list are the only things hanging over my head.  Even my summer goals are complete with time to make new ones.

Sadly, we've passed the mid-point for summer days.  I am so thankful for an abundance of time with my girls and extra time inside of my house!  Perhaps the biggest downside to working outside the home is the lack of hours invested on the home front.  I really do miss it.  As the days pass too quickly, it hits me that what makes summer days so sweet are the things that never end up on my list during the school year.    ~Plenty of rest.  ~The presence of friends and family with nothing pressing or pulling you away.  ~Time for reflection   ~Down time spent praising and thanking the Lord  ~Quality time my girls (also hours by the television)  ~Purposeful service and hospitality ~etc.

The Lord is growing in me a desire to prioritize the important things in life and to stop living by the urgent tasks of the day.  Who knows where this journey will take me, but with just two more years until Katie graduates, I'm all too aware that my time is well spent on important things!  We've entered a season of parenting in the big leagues and I feel more like a farm team parent.  Summer subjects have included topics facing our teens (our girls)--- alcohol, sex and online bullying.  May the Lord give me wisdom to parent these lovely girls well!!  For the remaining summer days, I plan to enjoy every sweet moment with them.