Let Summer Begin

When I think of summer, I think of popsicles and boating, the smell of suntan lotion, and blasting summer tunes out the open window on road trips. I think of bonfires and s’mores, mosquito bites, camping, and sleeping under the stars.

I wonder, what do you think of?

And does summer bring you joy, or does it leave you longing for its promise? Do you watch everyone else rest and play and feel bummed that you can’t? Do you have big intentions at the start, but end every summer wondering where it went? Many of us have a love-hate relationship with summer. Some of us work and struggle because our kids are off from school. Some want to go on vacation but can’t afford it. Many of us just have a bucket list of things we want to do, but when it comes down to it, our intentions are bigger than our reality.

Here is what I know, friend: summer isn’t what you make it, but it is. I know we can’t escape our duties, jobs, and responsibilities and go float a river all day just because we feel like it. Maybe that was the summer of our teens. But here’s what we can do: make a summer intention list. It helps to name what your heart is longing to experience. And then pick 1–3 things you think are actually possible.

Maybe you can’t take that trip to Yellowstone, but you might be able to plan a Saturday afternoon to visit a local state park you’ve never been to. Maybe you can’t host the family reunion this year, but you can host a casual bonfire and s’mores get-together for people you love. Maybe you can’t take all day off and play with your kids, but you can make sure to get silly and jump through that sprinkler after work. Their giggles and joy will be all you need to check something off that intention list.

Take your top 3 hopes for the summer and commit to them, one thing at a time. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” God knows your longings, and He wants to bless you. This summer, I hope you will be surprised by the goodness of God popping into your workday, your garden, your sunrises, sunsets, and your sprinkler jumping.

XOXO,