Summer Living

What a difference a little R&R can make in a person's life. My life, to be specific. Earlier last week, I hung out at the park with the boys, their cousin, and her friend. Actually, they hung out together while I was on a blanket at the edge of the park with water, my camera, and a book. And it was gloriously relaxing. I had to scoot everything occasionally to keep some things in the shade, but an hour and a half of taking photos and reading a book was simply delightful.

Dueling frisbee game


Friday I was able to have a nice chunk of time all to myself and spent an hour in God's word at Starbucks. What a joyful blessing as He led me to study in a way I'd not done before. Then I went out to the park to pick up a whole pack of boys (or at least as many as would fit in my van). I arrived a little early, so I drove to another area of the park and walked around a couple of ponds, breathing in the beauty of the afternoon, and taking the opportunity to shoot some chipmunks, among other things. With the camera, of course.





I have felt more relaxed and peaceful this past week than I have in a long time. I believe it's because I've been able to slow down just a bit and have these pockets of downtime. I need to find a way to schedule these in throughout my life. Whether it's sitting on a blanket reading, wandering around a pond in the woods, or just enjoying God, it's so important and valuable to my well-being.