When this week is done, the hectic will begin to slow and we will settle in to the slower rhythm of summer. At least, that is what I tell myself. The busy season of youth ministry is really just beginning. But summer is a sweet time of it with the seniors still around but not in school anymore, mid-week lunches and weekend trips.
Having three young kids doesn’t allow much flexibility for me to join them on those trips, but I am learning to embrace my role of supporter and background pray-er as he goes away with them. There is always a twinge of left-out sad that doesn’t disappear when we grow up, surprisingly. But for the most part, summers are good times. And I’m looking forward to this one.
Summers…ahh. The time for eating Popsicles and getting the sticky mess all over you. The time for running around in nothing but your bathing suit and bare feet just b/c you can. The time for sweet late night talks with your hubby outside on the back patio b/c it’s still so warm outside. Chasing around fireflies and trying to catch them in a jar to keep in your room, just to wake up and realize they have all perished. Summer is spending your last moments of “childhood” with your family before heading off to those bigger things that await you at college.
What are you looking forward to this summer, Emily??? Mine…going to the beach! I look forward to blogging with you this summer!
I’m so ready for summer, too. I homeschool, and I cherish summer break! This summer I may find myself working more hours at my husband’s/our business than I’d like, but I’m still so glad summer is here, too. Sleeping later, books, the pool, early morning/late evening front porch swinging…..
That picture is beautiful!
I’m so glad summer is finally here! My favorite thing is sitting on the back porch swing – praying, reading, chatting with family and friends… I love it!
Hope you have a great week!
love the photo! i’ll be spending this summer organizing! :/ not my fav, but can’t wait for the end product!!
happy sunday!
Lovely sentiment and a beautiful photo! I am working on my activity list (the things we absolutely want to do at least once) and hatching plans to try and keep things moving at a nice slow pace this summer, sweet and enjoyable…slow is going to be my only speed as I’m due August 27th
We have officially started summer here and I love it! For me the summer means lots of writing, the things I never have time for during the school year, but the pace is different, much relaxed.
As for feeling left out, I think we all have that feeling no matter how big we get. Now that I have teenagers I see it a little differently as far as being left behind with the little ones. In a way, you’re husband is the one left out. You “get” to spend all that time he’s away with those precious little ones. Think of it that way because they grow up so fast.
i’m a youth pastor’s wife w/ my first lil’ baby who is now 2 months old. my husband just left for summer camp this morning and i was sad. it’s the first summer i’ve not attended a camp as a camper or leader in a zillion years! i felt silly but then i read your post and was encouraged to embrace my new role as pray-er and supporter who can’t be quite as hands on. thank you for the encouragement!! hope your summer is wonderful!
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I am ready! I’m still not quite sure how I will find activities to keep both the 11-year old and the 3-year old happy, but we will manage somehow. Ice cream makes EVERYBODY happy, right?
That picture looks so much like my college campus, near the spot where my husband and I started out our first date!
Summer has been on my mind nonstop too, Emily. I can’t wait to sleep in with my babies (here’s hoping they actually do sleep in once in a while), 3 o’clock popcorn and cartoons, the pool, the park, and whatever else strikes our fancy.
Blessings to you!
So where is that picture taken and how can I escape to that beautiful place this summer?
I’m so glad this summer means you’ll be back at She Speaks and sharing all of your wonderful thoughts and talents with so many. I can’t wait to see you again. And if you are in Charlotte and need some big boys to play with your little ones, you and yours can stop by to see us. Josh and Andrew love to play with kids!
Counting down the days til summer and hoping I can get a fun plan in place so it’s not just survival til school starts back.
It is nice to look forward to Summer, and a pace that is a bit slower. And, as a parent of a Jr. High-er, I know that the parents of the kids that are in the care of you and your husband will be, quite literally, eternally grateful for your sacrifice and commitment!
I’m so glad it’s summer time too! I love the longer days and the evenings spent on the patio with Hubby. Praying for you and the fam as you go through this season!
Ok, I am going THERE on my summer vacation! That’s breathtakingly beautiful! Looks like it’s right out of a Thomas Kincaid painting.
what a beautiful spot!
i am anxious for summer… these last two days of school cannot finish up quick enough for the kids! i hope that you will have time to join in on some of the youth group fun… when my hubby and i did that years ago, we would occasionally have our little ones in tow. maybe… just maybe
Hey I will definately be praying for you Emily! What you guys are doing is huge. Thanks for being willing to serve – whether in the front or background. God is using you my friend! Love you!
I’ve missed Tuesdays with you – but I guess part of our summer intro is unplugging in a lot of areas. I look forward to catching back up. Even if its midnight. My hubby used to work with young guys and I can definetly sympathize with the left-at-home syndrome.
Now I just tell people that I volunteer with children. Sounds so noble.
I know that twinge of left out feeling! Glad I’m not the only one.
I am so glad I am not the only one who feels left out sometimes. My husband’s work has him as part of a really exciting political campaign right now and while I would like to be joining in on more of it, I know I would regret it if I didn’t stay home with my little ones right now. But sometimes it is hard to stay home and read Curious George and eat pb&j even if you know it is so much more than that.