Surrendering to Summer Part II

If you know me, you know that I basically live for summer. I mean

I. LIVE. FOR. SUMMER.

I love everything about it! Sun, fun, long nights, no school, bare feet, popsicles, the pool, the beach, the lake, convertibles, bonfires, BBQ’s and the Fourth of July! My list goes on. My entire family has also managed to squeeze all their birthdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day too! It really is my version of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

But these last few years my summer excitement seems to slide depending on the way my school year ended. I have been tired, defeated, and mad in recent years. Last year was the same way. I was exhausted from "tough love" parenting, planning grad parties, and entertaining out-of-town guests and I let summer get the best of me.  

It seemed like every morning I overslept instead of sleeping in. There is a fine line, but I crossed it. I felt 10 minutes behind all summer and grumpy because of it. Other years, especially when the kids were little I was on my game!  I planned outings, special meals, fun game nights, and trips to the library. I really outdid myself. The other day my dear friend Paula said, "Time to write a blog and tell us all what to do with our summer! What are we doing?”  

Eek… the pressure.

This year I have a house full of tall tall teens!!! 12,13,17,19… Yep, even the college girl is home and I am painfully aware that  I don’t have forever with them. They get driver’s licenses and cars and run off with their friends. They will move out, go on trips and not need me to be their all in all.

It happens!

It has happened to half my crew already! 

The school year is rough and tiring. Some years more than others. This year was a tough one, I'm not gonna lie. One child, in particular, is in need of some TLC and I’m on it! I crack my proverbial knuckles and remind myself that I am the ambassador of summer as I feel God’s grace empowering me. 

I need to be on my game!

I talk a lot about creating a soft space, a loving atmosphere where my family can recharge and replenish their soul.

My boy is in need of some soul care. 

One year we planted a garden and he and I tended to it all summer.

perhaps we’ll do that again.

One year I said "Yes!" to as much as I could.

perhaps I’ll do that again.

We’ll find swimming holes, good movies, good books, and good people.

We’ll make good food.

We’ll stay up late, we’ll laugh, and make good memories.

Summer is my jam. So is caring for others. What a perfectly lovely combination.

There will be some structure. There has to be. But the older they get the more that seems to happen naturally and I get to fill in the gaps.  I love that part. They will have jobs and workouts and camps. Parties and sleepovers and visits to Grandma's and the beach.

Me, I’m going to look for where they need support. Where has the world wounded them, depleted them, and made them question their worth? The years where it was hard for me, were because I felt wounded, depleted, and questioned my own worth.

But my God in heaven is faithful to care for me and as He cares for me, I gain the strength to care for those around me, like on the airplane when they say put your own oxygen mask on and then care for your child. Make sure to strengthen yourself so you can strengthen others. I heard it said once “If they are on your nerves it's probably because they’re not on your heart.

Lord let them be on my heart, not my nerves.

My prayer for you is that you will press into God and let him lighten your load, put a skip in your step, and refresh you.

My prayer for you is that your nerves are calm and healthy and your bandwidth is deep and wide.

That you take a deep breath and exhale making room in your heart for those who need you most.

My prayer for you is that you can see supernaturally the areas where your loved ones need care. Like an MRI for the soul, and the Lord would speak to you and tell you what they need.

My prayer for you is that as your children grow physically this summer (because they always seem to), they would grow spiritually and emotionally too. Lord let their confidence grow, their character, and their hearts as well.

My prayer for you is that you would once again surrender to summer and you would see God's blessings and feel His presence in your homes.  

 With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 12:3