The school books arrived yesterday via UPS. I think the guy delivering them must have thought the kids were nuts. They were too excited about books coming.
To me, the arrival of the books signals the beginning of the end. Only 10 more days until school restarts. I am excited.
Past
But I also wonder just where this summer went. It absolutely flew by leaving me wishing "summer would always be here."
It was a sweltering summer. And it was an awesome summer.
I feel like I mostly accomplished my aim for the summer. I gave up study, schedule, and school for a more laid back summer. We did a lot, but we also lived the moment.
Literary Lunch Hour was a great addition to our summer. The kids and I all loved it. We are currently in the fourth HP book. We will finish it within the first week or so of school, and then we are going to take a break from that series, and read Lincoln.
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| chairs set up for literary lunch hour |
We attended an outdoor concert as a family for at least 6 weeks in a row. Mr. Hippie and I went on dates at least every other week. (that was terrific!) We ran 2 races, and we are now gearing up for another long one.
We did a lot. And I feel the Lord blessed it. I see fruit, and that thrills my heart.
Meres grew some teeth and learned to walk. Three of the offspring added a year to their age. Freckles sprouted more freckles, and got some spectacular scrapes. LC got taller, and added even more personality to her profile. BMV learned more random facts to throw my way in addition to growing almost as tall as my shoulder.
We had a great mixture of activity and relaxation. Ministry and being ministered too.
We were stretched in difficult circumstances-being made to rely on God. We were encouraged as God showed Himself unchanging time after time.
Future
But now, this break is almost over, and we are moving on into fall. The structure of fall. The schedule of school, and evening activities.
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| Moving forward. It's an adventure. |
I am looking forward to Influence and everything that holds. Learning new things, forging new relationships.
I am looking forward to an extended family meet up in St. Louis in late October.
I am looking forward to cider and donuts, apple picking and pumpkins, Thanksgiving and scarves.
I am planning for how life is going to be a bit different. Online time is going to happen at a different segment of the day. It is going to be shorter, because school, etc. doesn't leave as much time for surfing.
I am looking forward to our city's art competition. I am looking forward to my Mom's visit.
I am looking forward to what this fall holds. I am remembering the past with fondness. I am living in the moment.
This is what I have learned over the years. You have to plan ahead. School can't start without books. Retreats and Bible studies and ministry opportunities don't happen without planning and studying.
Present
But, you don't want to look so far forward that you miss what is happening right here. Right now.
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| Living in the present |
Right now we are revising the chore chart. Scooting various responsibilities around. Breaking up the tedium and teaching new skills.
I am reorganizing my kitchen counters to fit Mr. Hippie's new coffee maker. This involves reorganizing the cubby hole, and the basement closet. (don't ask-it just does)
I am taking my kids to a cousins' campout this afternoon. A grand finale to the summer.
The Barefoot Hippies are also going to descend upon Comerica Park this weekend to watch our favorite ball team.
We are going to embrace this last week of freedom before we have to hit the books hard. We are going to connect with friends and family. We are going to sleep in and stay up reading.
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| I love these kind of pics. I have no idea what they are scheming, but I'm sure I will find out. Eventually. |
Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace. ~Author Unknown
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present. ~Babatunde Olatunji, a similar version is also attributed to Alice Morse Earle
Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. ~Jean de la Bruyere
If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is. ~Author Unknown
How are you planning for your fall, and also embracing your "right now?"
