I don’t know what it is about summer. All the rushing around, packing too much activity into a week. In normal times I can be easily distracted, but in the summer even my interruptions get interrupted. No excuse, either, as I had when our boys still lived at home. Guilt used to set in, as each spontaneous family event displaced a chore or some other responsible activity.
But I love the bustle, love each place we go and every chance to connect with friends and family. This summer I have decided to thumb my nose at the guilt.
So I didn’t get the shower cleaned last weekend. I got to see our son Eric’s brother-in-law, who is so much a part of our family that we think of him as another son. AND Brent’s sister and her husband recently had their 25th wedding anniversary. On Friday we got to celebrate with their family, including our niece and nephew who had been out of state all summer. Then Eric’s college buddy got married on Saturday, and we got to see Eric and Heather, plus Eric’s old roommate, whom we also think of as a bonus son. It was a long weekend covering lots of miles.
I had intended to write a blog post yesterday, but I went to visit my mom instead. I found her feeling a little blue, so I was doubly glad I had gone. So what if my posts appear ten days apart instead of five or six?
These are opportunities that should not be missed. I can always clean the shower another time. And my little group of readers hardly spends their time waiting with bated breath for my every word. In fact, just between you and me, they probably appreciate the break. After all, it’s summer for them, too. I imagine we are all in the chaos together.
So let’s just slow down, embrace spontaneity, and go easy on ourselves. Stretch out, take a nap or just relax for a while. Let’s enjoy our family and friends. Nothing is more important than relationships. Besides, even if we have a lot of important stuff to do, we can’t do it effectively if we are not rested.
How about you? Do you feel less effective in the summer? If so, does that bother you? Why?
Thanks for reading,
Jan
This week I am linking up with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria sisters.
Jan C Johnson, Author 
This has been a summer about really treasuring relationships. Although I have struggled with rest and busyness and “getting things done,” I do feel an overarching feeling that I have spent more quality time my children this summer more than any other. It has been good.
LikeLike
I’m so glad. Speaking of relationships, I’m totally looking forward to the retreat. Which reminds me, you HAVE to tell me if there is anything at all I can do that would make the event easier for you. Still praying for all the women who need to be there, that they can all come. Love you!
LikeLike
And, I am very excited that my comments seem to be staying put now!
LikeLike
Yes, you seem to be out of “Spam purgatory” for good! Yay!
LikeLike
“Let’s slow down, embrace spontaneity and go easy on ourselves”…what a marvelous advice! Thank you so much for your post. I was sort of forced to slow down this summer due to my surgery and I have to admit that even though it’s been tough…I have been able to enjoy the slower pace. Praise the Lord for He knows exactly what we need and when we need it! thanks again. Have a blessed evening!
LikeLike
Wow, Gisela, when I wrote this post I didn’t realize it was meant just for your recuperating self! You’re right, God knows what we need — and He can arrange for us to have it at the right time. Blessings, and thanks also for your reply to my comment. Looks like we were SDG “soul sisters” this week! Blessings to you.
LikeLike
Very true. I find myself putting pressure on myself to perform for some arbitrary standard – but relaxing and enjoying family and ignoring the shower are much more important. Yes, keeping up with blog reading can be impossible in itself. Glad when I can fit in a few minutes, glad when there isn’t as much to read each day. This was encouraging – we all share similar struggles. Thanks.
LikeLike
Thank you, Maureen, for sharing. Yes, the “arbitrary standard” — it can be such a nosebleed! I am glad you felt encouraged.
LikeLike
Summer is the one time I allow myself to feel less productive…in a good way. Enjoying life seems to be more important than my checklists during those glorious three months!
LikeLike
Hi, Amy! It’s good to know you have already outsmarted the Guilt Monster. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I AM SO WITH YOU! My house, oh my house…..but I keep thinking, only a few more days of summer and it is GONE….then my house. Yes, hurry up and SLOOOOOW down~ha! Love it, and I also love that you cheered a Momma up when feeling blue. Good daughter you are.
LikeLike
Hey, Marlece! When you say, “oh, my house…” I can just see you holding onto your head with both hands. Your boys sure have kept you hopping over the summer! Put your feet up, girl!
Love ya —
LikeLike
You are so right, Jan. We need to enjoy that which God sets before us, whether it be family, friends, a nap, a drive, our mothers. I, too, find that some things can just wait.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
LikeLike
I think there should be a special note pad just for summer.
TO DO:
1. Anything you want
2. Everything else
That said, my youngest is starting kindergarten tomorrow. Do they make a note pad for that??
LikeLike
Yes. Yes, there is. That note pad says, TO DO: “Go to lunch with your favorite writer, so she can get caught up with her favorite designer.” Enjoy your girls’ elementary years! That was a fun time for me.
LikeLike
Day one–zero crying and so much tranquil fabulousness! I’ll bet you love my creative butchery of the English language. Lunch! Yes please. Say when?
LikeLike
As always, Jan, good stuff. This has been a very busy summer. I would add that your children-in-law drew winning numbers in the in-law lottery.
LikeLike
Dan — you and Cindy spoil me with your kindness. And you two obviously wrote the book on great parenting-in-law!
LikeLike