For some reason, this summer I am ever so aware of my kids growing up and that school starts in just two months. Once school starts up, we will be super busy with school activities and sports commitments. That I don’t like.
Summer is only a short season and yet it’s hard to adjust to the change. I don’t know what to do with myself or with the kids. Looking back at previous summers, we have wasted many of our days away just going through the motions.
With that in mind, I am trying to develop a new mindset. I want to live with purpose. I want to make family memories. I am determined to not feel the guilt again of another summer not well spent. I want to live intentionally–putting faith and family first.
For me, intentional living looks different than wishful thinking. It requires action, sometimes sacrifice, flexibility or planning, and even an attitude of fun.
So far I’ve enjoyed this change of mind. I thank God for the strength to live differently. Even if it’s only been a few days. I see change. And I feel good about it. I’ve done some things I normally wouldn’t do like take walks around the neighborhood with my daughter and our black lab. I don’t do the dog walk thing well. I think dogs are too much work for a nice walk. But for the sake of Hannah and even our dog, we’ve went. More than once. I told Hannah tonight maybe we can start jogging and walking in intervals. I don’t run anymore. But hey, I might try it again. Why not? I’d love to get in better shape. And I’m sure we’d laugh some too.
Yesterday, the kids and I packed up last minute and drove 100 miles for an overnighter. Again this is something I normally don’t do. That’s a lot of driving for one night, but I did it anyway. We met up with my husband while he was on a business trip. Something we can’t do during the school year.
While we were away, Hannah, Justin and I took a walk instead of driving. This time to Borders nearby our hotel. Hannah and I stopped at every rose bush along the way and breathed in the sweet fragrance. Hannah made her it-smells-so-good sounds every time. My husband Derek met us at the bookstore and then drove with Justin to the restaurant. Hannah and I walked to meet them. After dinner, Hannah and I walked to Wendy’s for ice cream. Derek and Justin beat us there. They drove. On the way back to the hotel, I went barefoot, walking through the cool grass. I felt like I was actually enjoying life–on purpose. A miracle.
Last night, I had to really lay down my pride to enjoy the water slide with my family. I hate being in my bathing suit. But I joined them and it was a blast.
A fun memory made.
There is something to be said about intentional living instead of just wishful living. I feel free. I feel God’s presence as I live out these last few days with joy and purpose.
Lord willing, I can create a new habit–a lifestyle of enjoying each day. Enjoying the gifts God gives me. His love. My family. Friends. Nature. Music. Meals. My health.
Thank you, Lord, for creating in me a desire to change. Thank you for the strength to live it out. Thank you for my husband, his job and the benefits. Thank you for my two precious children. Thank you for summer.
For more thanks, visit Iris at Sting My Heart. I loved the verses she posted this week.
Thank God for enabling you to live intentionally for Him and blessing your life and your time with your family. May you continue to grow in Him and enjoy Him! Thanks for sharing your thankful heart with us. Happy TT!
Life truly does have more meaning when you purposely seek those special moments, whether it’s with the Lord, your hubby, the kids, nature, etc.
OK, you’ve put a challenge out to me Tiffany!!
This was awesome. I really enjoyed reading about all the ways you purposed to find beauty, and fun throughout your day.
This is a quote I received just this morning;
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been. ”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann Evans] (1819-1880), novelist
Keep making those moments♥
Intentional living.
Making memories with Justin and Hannah.
The will treasure the time and be thankful for it too.
Beth@theaccidentalpharisee
Tiffany, this is something I’ve been thinking about alot lately, too. So glad it is working well for you and your family. I’m hoping in a short time I can say the same thing. 🙂
Happy Thankful Thursday!
Wonderful! Your post is an inspiration to us all to live intentionally!
excellent insights
I love the intentional living thing. Never saw it quite that way…deliberately doing things for a reason instead of just purposelessly.
Thanks once again for a great post!
Loved your post, friend. I love that you went down the water slide. A few years back we got free passes to the water park for the day. The whole family went and I FORCED myself to go down some of the slides/rides. I wanted to show my kids that I still can have fun. I’ve not been too good at that. Last year we went to the beach and though I wanted to sit quietly on the shore and read while they were playing in the waves I knew it would speak volumes to them if I actually got in the waves with them. For years I have sat on the beach.
I had lost the ability to play….I am going back and learning again. I loved the quote that Susan got “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” I am trying to go back and recover those lost play places with my kids.
Thanks for sharing your heart and giving us a window in.
Love it!
Hugs!!!
Julie
What a thought provoking post, you make me want to rethink my plans (or more specifically my to do list) for the summer and just focus on enjoying the moments and my family more… I will always have my list, but will I always have these moments and my family…
Blessings!
Oh I’m with you on this post, Tiffany! Making every moment count towards your legacy…an investment into future generations.
I’m also with you about the bathing suit thing! Ouch! Hate it! Missy and her 2 children will be here in about 10 days. In 2 weeks it will be my grandson’s 8th birthday and we’re having a party with some of his friends he’s made here over the years. The resort my son works at just opened a new pool with a lazy river around it. You just sit in a tube and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as you float around the ‘river’. This is going to require me to put on a bathing suit rather than just shorts and a t-shirt like when we go to the lake. I’m not comfortable doing this, and I’ve been dreading it for a couple of weeks already. You’ve inspired me to take my eyes off myself and just enjoy making memories with my family.
Inspiring post. Thanks.
I think you are having the right attitude – it is wonderful that the Lord has giving you the desire to change your life – to live more intentionally – how cool is that? Walking barefoot through the grass is a wonderful thing to do – I love it!!! I love walking barefoot anyway.
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.
Blessings to you and your precious family – enjoy your summer together – intentionally :).
I’m trying to live a little more intentionally with my kids this summer. Truly, it’s always a shock to the system when they hit the door for summer break. I’ve been doing this kid thing for 19 years now, so I’ve grown a little weary with entertaining. However, I am grateful to be at home with them, and my younger ones are finally reaching the age of being able to do a few more things.
I’ve had to change my perspective about them being home. I’m a mother who loves to see September roll around! We’ve had great fun so far, but I’ve had to give up some freedoms I enjoy. They’re worth it, and I am totally with you on the bathing suit thing!!!!
peace~elaine
Hey sweet friend, hope you are doing well and enjoying some fun-filled days with your family.
Hugs,
Julie
First of all, I saw your blog title on “Laced with Grace” and just had to stop by since you obviously love tea, too!
And I love this post. I’ve been trying to do this more as well. Thanks for sharing. 🙂