Are you one of those people who love summer? Do you dream of poolside lounge chairs or long afternoons at the beach?
If so, I do not understand you.
I can be your friend, but I don’t get you. From an early age, I discovered a strong dislike for things like sweat, houseflies, sand, and July. Honestly, the only reason I can embrace July at all is because of the six-month mark to December. Plus Independence Day. Not fireworks. Just the day. And Jesse, our grandson, who is a true Yankee Doodle Dandy born upon that day.
What I do like about summer is rest.
Not for farmers, of course, or rural mail carriers, or the UPS drivers, although I hear they are getting air-conditioning soon. Hurray!! Lots of jobs required dedication and perseverance in the hot months of summer. But, for others, summer means a break from the normal demands of school and such. Traditionally, we take vacations in summer, and I can totally get into vacations.
But, sometimes I complain. Even on vacation.
I get all frazzled in my mind and frizzled in my hair, and I complain about the lethargy that consumes me and the sun rash that irritates my arms. I grumble about the sweaty crowds at the theme park or the biting insects at the lake, and I wish I was home in my favorite chair. Eventually, though, I find a bit of shade or a breeze. Maybe even an air-conditioned shop with ice cream cones for sale. I look out over whatever crowd of kids or grandkids have come along for the ride or maybe at the handsome husband beside me, and I remind myself we are living the good ole days right now.
At that moment, I remind my soul to relax.
To take stock. To absorb. To revel in the moment of grandchildren conquering the Slip-n-Slide or Grandpa landing a fish. I don’t have to like summer to recognize it as a bringer of many good things. I can embrace the season for those things and tolerate or manage the parts I dislike. Especially if I have another scoop of ice cream while I feel the breeze!
Happy Summer.
P.S. – if you need a good read at the beach or the ice cream shop, may I recommend one of mine? Rose Hill Cottage is a good choice. You can find it here.