So that happened. May blew right into the June and I barely had a chance to breathe and yet most of it (though not all) was lovely and lifegiving.
We finished up the school year and my work schedule shifted from closing things up to planning for things to come. At home we shifted from school mode to summer mode and have had some trouble finding our feet even though the end of June is here. We had a few adventures and are rediscovering what it looks like to have two teens, a tween and two working adults in the house all summer.
Something Loved
In May, my husband and I took a few days away by ourselves. It was low tech and heavy on walking and reading, and slow meals fully present with each other. It reminded me again that we need to find ways to do this more often. I love moving every day and on most vacations this doesn’t work because depending on which friends or family we are visiting the situation (or weather) doesn’t always make it easy or possible. It’s hard to explain that I’m trying to honor my body and take care of myself without making it sound like a live at the gym. (I don’t, I fact I don’t even have a gym membership). The daily hikes, walks and birdwatching adventures the two of us didn’t feel like exercise to him but scratched my itch to move. The weather was not too warm and we were able to avoid getting sunburned.
We spent an equal about of time sitting on the porch of our inn reading books and enjoying the fresh air (I was also distracted by birds).
Something that Sustained Me
I had the amazing chance to attend a professional development conference and while it had it’s share of stress, it gave me a whole new excitement for my job.
The more I’ve learned about how I’m wired the more I feel empowered to be who am for the sake of what I’m part of. My perspective isn’t an inconvenience, but it’s also not the only perspective. I don’t always have to be right to be heard. I was reminded again that every decision is missional and it’s inspired me to become the “chief reminding officer” as Patrick Lencioni would say.
There was something almost sacred feeling about going back to the roots and strengthening the team and organization.
Something Carrying Forward
We decided to take a vacation with our kids. But the big change I made was that I wasn’t expecting it to be great. I was hoping there would be a few nice moments and each kid would get to do something he or she liked.
It was a mixed bag. We attended a performance of Joshua at Sight and Sound and it was as amazing if not more, than I could have imagined. This was the highlight for our oldest teen who loves theater (watching it and acting in it). She was the hardest sell for the trip and while she did complain a bit, between the show and finding a few different gluten free restaurant options during our trip seemed to soften her a bit.
The boys each at parts they enjoyed so I considered it a success and would probably try doing something similar again in the future. But it helped that I kept my expectations low and made the decision to find ways to enjoy myself even if other family members seemed determined to be miserable.
Something To Make Space for
Summer is always a crazy time and usually I like to have a handle on things by the end of June. But all last summer I basically survived a week at a time and felt like I never had a plan.
After reading Tranquility by Tuesday, I’m going to try to make space weekly to plan and look ahead at the next week. It’s taken a few weeks for me to actually manage this. (The official recommendation is to plan on Friday, and that’s been rough to manage). It always takes longer than I think it should but I’m hoping as I build the practice it will bet faster.
I’m also trying to employ the “back up slot” philosophy. Things that really matter need a backup slot. So pencil one in. If I end up not being able to write on Monday during the kids’ therapy like I usually would, then I can use my “back up slot” on Thursday night.
I used to be pretty good at organizing my time but I’m realizing that summers now require a bit of extra effort from me (without creating and rigid schedule that’s impossible to pivot). I’m settling for trying out a routine and being ready to make changes.
July is almost here and while it may feel like summer is almost half over, we’re really just getting into the thick of it here. Most of our breaks and scheduled adventures are over, but hopefully I can sprinkle in a few more as we move forward.
I link up with a group of faithful writers monthly (when I remember to actually post) through My Joyful Life: Share 4 Somethings, as we reflect on the past month.
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