7 ways to be intentional this Summer

Summer.

Schools are winding down on the strangest school year ever and I know students and teachers both are looking forward to a reprieve! Last summer, though some things may have felt like summer, many things were unusual and maybe not how the typical season is spent. Because of that, you may be feeling the pressure to make up for it this year. And with that pressure the anxiety that you've got to make it the best summer yet.

 

Whenever I feel that anxiety rising in me, I know it's rooted in expectations that I've placed on myself. And when I can root out those expectations and replace them with intentional moments, days seem more manageable and enjoyable.

 

So, instead of setting a bucket list that I feel pressured to complete, I'm looking at ways I can be intentional with my kids this summer. Small ways of being intentional in different areas of life that can make this summer purposeful and refreshing for our spirits. Here's a few ideas I think I'll incorporate with our family. Maybe it will spark some ideas for your own as well.

Heart: We've done this before and it's been a great way to learn something together. We pick a chapter in the Bible, or lengthy section of scripture, and memorize it together. We take portions at a time, working on it during dinner, and by the end of the summer we've got a section of scripture that the whole family has written on their hearts and minds. Different passages include Psalm 103, Psalm 23, Colossians 3, and Romans 12.

 

Thoughts: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And that goes for summer vacations as well. Maybe you're doing a staycation this year, or camping, or finally going on that road trip. Regardless of what it is and how much you've looked forward to it, it only takes one post on Facebook or one comment from a friend on their epic vacation to suddenly make your own feel drab. Whatever you plan for the summer, plan it with gratitude, and bring your kids in on the planning. Have them each give one thing that they would like to accomplish this summer and get excited with them. Be intentional with guarding your thoughts from comparison and instead have thoughts of gratitude and joy for the summer you've been given.

 

Home: One thing that is very clear when school is out and everyone is home is that, well, everyone is home. The clutter increases, the trail of muddy footprints increases, and the number of dirty cups lying around the house seems to have doubled since the morning. To keep myself from getting frustrated and ultimately resentful, each member of the family gets assigned a room to be in charge of. They are responsible for making sure everything is picked up and floors are clean. It doesn't make things sparkling, but at least the clutter isn't overwhelming.

 

Relationships: One thing that is hard to make happen when sports and school and activities are pulling us in different directions, is to have intentional one on one time with each child. So, having a bit of breathing room in our schedule, we'll plan 1 on 1 with a kid each week. It's doesn't have to be huge, but it's focused quality time with one child, doing something that they like to do.

 

Time: With having more time at home without the schedule of school it can be really easy to fall into the habit of getting in front of a screen and suddenly half a day is wasted. To break up that temptation, plan no-screen days. Give each kid a  pencil and notepad and send them outside. Generally a treasure map is drawn, a story is written, or a picture is created. Have the no screen policy stretch until bedtime. Catch fireflies, build a campfire, or (horror!) let your kid get bored. We've lost the art of allowing ourselves to feel boredom. We treat it with screens. Let's help our kids discover play and fun without the need of electronics.

 

Money: Summer can get costly is we let it. But we can still be intentional with our spending. Find free things (or nearly free!) in your city. Look up random local festivals in small towns near you (Pickle Festival, anyone?) and explore a park you've never been to. The big time of year to give to Mission Organizations is year end and Christmas. This being the opposite side of the year, many non-profits feel the pinch of low funds. Find a local non-profit that you can volunteer at or support. Research it with your kids and find ways to help as a family.

 

Health: Now that we have a few more evenings that we aren't running to games, practices, and activities, family dinners can actually happen! Bring the kids in on the planning and cooking. Find a new, healthy recipe that the family can try together. Discover a local farmer's market and buy some produce you've never tried before. Usually the farmer's have great ideas for ways to cook it up that make even the veggie-adverse willing to to try it out.

 

Your turn! I'd love to hear some ideas of how you are going to be intentional with your Summer!

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