Wondering?
finding joy has been a bit quiet.
Too quiet.
Intentionally.
August is ending, the summer drawing to a close. It feels as if it was just June and we had the entire summer stretching in front of us. Vacations, swimming in the pool, freezy pops at ten am. Late night sunsets. Sandcastles.
And, now, here I am with just a couple days left of August. Fall is encroaching, and my blank calendar days are being replaced with ink-filled days. Routine. And that’s good. There’s something comforting about days that are scheduled, with goals and agendas. Yet, there is those moments, those breaths of bitter-sweet sadness as you say goodbye to another summer. It’s the end of this glorious, spontaneous time, late-night, wonderful time of freedom. Next time it rolls around things will be different:
Next year, next summer, Samuel will be on the verge of two.
Next year, next summer, Hannah will begin to learn how to drive.
Next year, next summer, Chloe will be a teenager.
Next year, next summer, Grace will move to middle-school classes at church.
Next year, next summer, Brennan will be almost eight.
Next year, next summer, Caleb will be starting kindergarten.
Next year, next summer, Elijah will be able to play in the back yard and will stay there.
That’s next year. For now, I’m going to enjoy my children right where they are. Right now. And that meant not blogging for a couple of days. It meant reading. Running through the sprinkler. Playing games. Picking tomatoes. Ordering curriculum. Enjoying now.
Next summer will come soon enough. So for now, I’m squeezing all the joy out of this summer as I can.
How about you? What are some of those last days of summer freedoms that you’re aching to do?
16 comments
Heck yeah, go student drivers!!
I am also looking forward to scheduled days. We are still enjoying summer. This week we had a couple of lazy days, staying in our PJ’s way longer than usual, eating treats, and having fun.
“For now, I’m going to enjoy my children right where they are. Right now. And that meant not blogging for a couple of days.”
Very wise. Two of my kids are in college or graduate school. The last is a senior in high school. Cheryl and I did A LOT with them as they were growing up. Yet, sometimes we still think about something we wish we could have done or something we would still like to do with them. You are wise to capture these moments now. The blog will still be there when the kids are in school and you have (maybe?) more time. Good choice! wb
New to your blog! Love it!! I’ve been doing the same with the last bits of summer. We did free circus, lake, free zoo, etc…soaking up every ray we can get! 😀 And now I’ve been trying to get some cleaning, organizing, & painting projects done in this last week before we begin school! FUN STUFF! 😉
Blessings!
Amy
Our summer has been over now for 3 weeks and, honestly, I miss it. I have the “August blues,” which usually end by September! But I’ve also been blogging less to spend more time and be more present with my kiddos.
I miss running through the sprinklers, making homemade ice cream every week with the boys, and just the whole carefree attitude. But I’m looking forward to crisp fall air, the leaves changing, and the cozy fall season.
I have been doing the same thing! But just not enough of it; can you ever get enough fun family tiem? ;O
Thank you for the lovely and inspiring post. Keep up the playing!
Corine 😀
I hope you enjoy each moment of the end of summer. We are trying to get into the routine of school and take in the weather that is still warm. Tomorrow…the spray park 🙂
I hear ya. Beautifully said. Which is one reason I’m launching project smile. Come check it out.
Great reminder, you know what I haven’t even thought of next summer yet and where my kids will be. I am now though!
Keep enjoying every moment!!!
You’re so right – we have to absolutely treasure every moment right now and not just think “what’s next?”.
I need to spend more time pushing my kids on the swings, because by next summer those kids will be able to pump their legs and won’t be asking for rides…
Little things like that are what’s really important.
Labor Day wraps up summer for us…end of summer tradition, last weekend at the lake…somehow, I’m jumping into fall a bit more easily this year…I’m usually kicking and screaming at this point, trying to dig my heels into the move into fall…my youngest is a year behind your oldest, so next year I’ll be looking at her transitioning into high school…hard to believe!
so glad you are soaking it up while you still can! : ) i must say that i’ve never been so excited for fall as i am now. on average it’s over 100 degrees here with the heat index so i’m more than looking forward to cooler weather!!! bring on the stroller runs and walks!
You’re brave thinking about next summer! I don’t even want to think about tomorrow! Which is coming way too quickly…
Lifting up prayers in Seattle!
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Most definitely enjoy them where they are! They grow up SO fast! My baby is 17 and just graduated! When did THAT happen, lol?
Bernice
http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/lifes-best-lessons-learned-from-our-dogs/
Yes! Enjoying every moment! Beautiful thing to do! Thanks Rachel for sharing!
~blessings
Dorcas