A Summer Reset

How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

A Summer Reset

Dear Time, I give you permission to s-l-o-w down. Thank you.

Spring flew so swiftly. There was not a day when my calendar was not bursting, the days were filled with mostly good stuff (games, graduations, visits from family and friends, award ceremonies, banquets, parties, and end of the school year fun) and I am grateful. But the pace has caught up with me.

So, I need permission to halt, to reset, and get my bearings. My dad was in the hospital last week and thankfully he is recovering well. As I sat with him and watched the action buzz around me, I exhaled and realized that I had not stopped much in these last few months. I picked up my phone and clicked on my recent-past calendar, then marveled at the events and emotions 2019 has brought thus far.

So today is a day to unwind. I am nestled in my backyard as my sweet dog rests her chin on my foot. It is about 75 degrees, as calm winds coil the tall trees. Medicine for the soul.

Summer has officially begun; this year is half-cooked. I can already see 2020 preparing to rise in the skyline. I’ve come to learn in these years of living prayerfully and intentionally, that early summer is an excellent time to retune and reflect. To rest and breathe. To soak up the sun and beautiful breezes of this fleeting season. To talk to God about what was and what is to come.

Now, I invite you to get alone and join in on some self-reflection. So, let’s take a deep breath. And then another… as you think on what the last six months have held for you, and what you look to next, ponder the following.

~2019 Goals

I made a goal when the year was new to study for and then take a three-part exam. I took the first two parts in March but put off the third (the dreaded math section) because I am terrified to take the test. Math and I do not like each other. But recently, I bossed myself around and told me to start studying. So now, I am eating that math elephant one bite at a time.

When the year kicked off, did you make resolutions or set goals? If so, dust off your list. Have you met your goals? If not, you still have half the year to meet them. Do they some need tweaking? Give yourself the okay to reset your list because you are the boss.

~Soul-Care

I find that when I skimp on soul-care, it ain’t pretty. I need my time with Jesus each morning, as I get my marching instructions from His word. When I tend to my emotions and make space to feel and reflect, I progress towards wholeness. As a result, I’m a nicer human.

What grade would you give yourself in this area of your life? Have you carved priority-time to spend in prayer in 2019? In reading God’s word? How have you tended to your emotions lately? Is your grade a “C” or less? If so, then ask yourself why.

~Rest and Play

I must be intentional in this part of my life. I’m a worker bee and like to check items off my to-do list. So, I mindfully margin in time to read and rest. I include playtime in my schedule and plan fun activities on my summer bucket list.

How much playtime did you tick off in the first six months of this year? How’s your sleep? Have you ignored the novel on your nightstand? Is your body craving downtime? Summer isn’t summer without a good dose of both rest and play. Have you made a summer bucket list?

May we make the most of every living and breathing moment and savor our days, before it gets too late too soon. Now, I must get up, there is slobber on my toe.

Happy summer, happy reset, friends!