Inspired by Emily P. Freeman, here are 10 things I learned this summer. Some are lighthearted and fun, while others are more serious and require deeper reflection.
1. Time spent outside is good for the soul
We visited the coasts of Washington and Oregon during our family vacation. Although I’ve been many times, the breathtaking coastline and the wide, sandy beaches seemed especially beautiful this year. The kite flying and opportunities to roam free and admire the scenery replenished us. I’m so glad we made the effort and we’ll have memories and photos to treasure for a long time.
2. Kite flying is fun
I haven’t flown a kite since I was a kid. Our kids had never flown a kite. Steve bought a “fancy” one while were on vacation and it brought us a lot of joy.
3. French press coffee for the win
I tried coffee from a French press while we were on vacation. So yummy! It definitely lives up to the hype.
4. Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea
I’m a mediocre cook and an extremely reluctant meal planner, but God gave us three boys who like to eat on a regular basis. Particularly during this stay-at-home season, I’ve found meal planning and providing to be more challenging. Probably because my attitude gets worse by the week. Ha! Anyway, one night Steve and I served bacon egg and cheese biscuits, fruit and pancakes. We rocked!
5. It’s possible to travel safely while the nation is in a full-on freak out
There have been moments this year when it seemed literally everything was canceled. We weren’t sure if the usual events that we anticipate each summer were going to happen. It’s hard to make choices when the information changes quickly and people’s opinions are so dang loud. Ultimately, we decided to fly on airplanes, stay in hotels and rental houses, and order a lot of takeout. This is a wild and crazy time to be alive. I’m thankful our boys are the ages they are because they’ve been extremely flexible and we’ve managed to have some fun in the midst of quarantine monotony.
6. I’m mildly obsessed with lighthouses
Not everyone I live with shares my obsession. We attempted to visit one in Oregon, but it was getting painted and wasn’t really open for visitors. I tried to talk my people into finding another, but they weren’t real enthusiastic. That’s all right. I’ll take this journey alone. Books about lighthouses and lighthouse keepers have suddenly jumped into my to-be-read pile. It’s the strangest thing.
7. Gathering in small groups beats video chats every time
Listen. No one is more surprised by this declaration than me. As a major introvert, you’d think I’d be thrilled that everything IRL is canceled and replaced with a video chat. But you’d be wrong. Although I appreciate that numerous organizations have done the hard work to pivot and make content available online, I’m officially over it. Recently, a couple of friends invited me to hang out in the driveway while our kids played in the cul-de-sac. Heaven on earth! Even the introverts need to leave the cave and step into the light sometimes.
8. I want a she shed
There. I’ve said it. Although it’s in sharp contrast to item number 7 on my list, and completely driven by the fact that my people rarely ever leave the cave without me, I still want one. Apparently zillions of other women agree with me because the options are plentiful and demand is high.
9. I also want to start a podcast
Somebody stop me! I’m saying all kinds of nonsense today. No, this blog hasn’t been hijacked by an extrovert. This stay-at-home season has fueled my podcast addiction and I want to drink the Kool-aid too. Maybe I could record my new podcast from inside my new she shed. Sounds like a win-win to me.
10. Rerouting negative thoughts is an epic battle
The world feels like an angry, chaotic mess these days. Often that anger seeps into my own personal space. Invades my thoughts. An unwelcome visitor crashing my party. Frankly, it’s easier to get caught in the spin cycle and keep reading those news headlines, or scroll through a few more social media posts, or lash out at someone with an acerbic comment of our own. Sadly, all of those behaviors will undoubtedly only pile on more anger and frustration. Friends, I’ve discovered a better way. He’s someone I’ve known for awhile now, but lately He’s become the antidote to everything that steals my joy.
It’s Jesus. A relationship with Him is the remedy for the anger, the hatred, the bitterness, the hopelessness, the heartache…all of it.
Participating in Jennie Allen’s online Bible study and listening to the audio version of her book Get Out of Your Head reminded me that stopping the negativity swirling around us starts with reading the Bible and changing the way we think.
Thanks for reading my list of 10 things I learned this summer. Leave a comment sharing one thing you learned this summer, then follow the hashtag #WWLcommunity on Instagram to connect with others who are also sharing what they learned. Don’t forget to visit Emily P. Freeman’s website to read her inspiring list as well.
Happy fall, y’all.
