Well, hi there!
Summer rolled in like it owned the place, didn’t it? Sun blazing, birds chirping, and my ice cream melting faster than my plans to “be productive.”
Being productive is my usual default. But these summer months? They invite a more fun, slightly adventurous spirit, right?
I’m craving a sunshiny rhythm that keeps the business going but leaves plenty of time for ice cream runs, long walks, and a little daydreaming. You too?
This morning I asked God, What does this season look like for me?
He reminded me of the image that I’m sharing here in this note.
And I knew. That’s the foundation:
Work Sensibly. Play Frequently. Rest Peacefully.
So I took a little time to figure out what that rhythm could look like.
Here’s what I came up with …
WORK SENSIBLY.
Work isn’t taking the summer off. We still have responsibilities. Commitments. People expect things.
But you and I can choose how we show up.
- Do what actually matters.
- Let the rest breathe for a minute.
- Let go of the “shoulds” that aren’t urgent.
- Take breaks that aren’t guilt trips.
Work is important, but so are you. Let the work be meaningful, but don’t let it eat your popsicle.
PLAY FREQUENTLY.
This is where it gets good.
Play like you mean it.
What might make you giggle, grin, or feel a little brighter? Do more of that.
- Go for a walk just to see what’s blooming or what’s new in the neighborhood.
- Make a mess in the kitchen with that recipe you’ve been eyeing. (Oh, please let me know if you do this!)
- Wander in a bookstore like you’ve got all day.
- Ride the bike. Paint the picture. Rearrange the furniture just because.
Find your fun and go for it! The world won’t end because you decided to step away from mopping the floor to play.
REST PEACEFULLY.
And after all that sensible work and frequent play?
Rest.
The real kind. The “exhale and let go” kind. The peaceful kind.
Rest isn’t laziness; it’s fuel. It’s your heart catching its breath. (Just think about that for a minute: Let your heart catch its breath!)
- Sit on the porch and listen to the mourning doves.
- Let the book fall on your chest as you nap.
- Watch the sunset like it’s the season finale of your favorite show.
- Pray. Breathe. Be.
Rest is where God restores us. Where we remember who we are and Whose we are.
Here’s the deal.
I want to live like I believe Psalm 16:9 “This is a good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more?” (VOICE)
So that’s my little summer pep talk for both of us.
Work sensibly. Play frequently. Rest peacefully.
(Emphasis on sensibly, frequently, and peacefully.)
Your one big, beautiful life deserves nothing less.
Now go light that sparkler in your heart.
I’ll be right here, smiling and raising my own sparkler with you, cheering us both on!
Here’s to a summer of working sensibly, playing frequently, and resting peacefully, with plenty of ice cream runs, of course!
