Summer Rush or Rest?
I have spent many an hour... lying on my back across the seats, in a summer forenoon, dreaming awake... days when idleness was the most attractive and productive industry.
Henry David Thoreau
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5 NIV
Each year, summer approaches and I eagerly anticipate lazy days where schedules are optional. I dream of morning quiet times in the garden after an early morning walk with my pup. I think about afternoon siestas with a nap or good book. Evenings spent savoring sunsets.
Then summer arrives!!! Suddenly, I’m busy planning times with family and friends because the weather begs for outside gatherings. There are barbeques in the backyard and morning coffees in the garden. Occasionally, family or friends come to visit, staying at the house, and it’s so fun to catch up with those that I don’t get to see very often. In addition, the high Sierra wildflower rimmed trails are open for hiking, and gorgeous mountain lakes beckon me to spend a day paddleboarding and swimming. Oh, yes, there’s also still the house and yard to maintain. This summer, there’s also Paths of Joy to nurture and take care of. Here, the inspirational daily blog takes between 25 to 30 hours per week. There’s also the nature photography side which means time invested in sorting and editing photos, meetings with clients, preparing for fall art show, and more. So many good things…all of which take time and energy.
As suddenly as summer bursts on the scene, those illusions of carefree summer days vanish like ice in a glass on a hot day outside! Perhaps those thoughts are actually vestiges of childhood summers when adult responsibilities and options were far off in the future. Still, I do hope to carve out some “down” days this summer or at least significant parts of days. Because “lazy” days are actually days when our body and soul get to rest and rejuvenate.
So, my friends, let’s promise each other to enjoy time with loved ones doing the multitude of fun summer activities, but let’s also make sure to plan some times savoring moments of restful relaxation. Watch a sunset. Lay in the grass and discover “cloud animals”. Grab a good book or listen to music while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING “productive”. In other words, seek simplicity and find joy!
