Recently I asked a question on social media about what the best thing about summer is. And I was (and wasn’t) surprised by the answers I got back.
Several mentioned sleeping in and then spending time with the kids. Several more put sitting on the porch at the top of their lists. Lazy days. Flowers. Fishing. Reading in a hammock in the shade.
It all reminded me of my childhood and summer vacations where I basically got permission to press pause on the strict school schedules and homework and live at a different pace.
Memories came back of lounging on an inflatable raft in a swimming pool and being gently rocked by the waves. (Well, at least until my two younger brothers deliberately cannon-balled into the pool right next to me. Fun times.)
Then came the hammock we equally fought over (and tried to knock each other out of!). But when I had the chance, there was something cozy about being supported and held and swaying… even if just for a moment.
So, when it comes to my life right now, I’m trying to lean into the season and find a place of rest.
In fact, I gave my front porch a bit of a makeover with some paint, cleaned the cushions on the outdoor furniture, and bought a small water feature/fountain. Now I can sit outside and relax to the sound of trickling water while the new bug zapper quietly takes care of the annoying pests.
It’s almost as good as a hammock in the shade.
But as I was deliberately making changes for my overall mental and physical health, a song came on the radio at just the right moment. And the lyrics captured it perfectly.
You see, I’m an overachiever who feels like I have to hold it together personally and for my family. Who juggles all the things and tries to keep all the chaos under control. Who is barely hanging on by my fingertips.
Still, there comes a time to just lay it down. Let it go. Fall into His loving arms and let Him carry me for awhile. (In other words, claim that inflatable raft and hammock and find rest.)
Maybe you too need to “Just Be Held” today? (That link will take you to a YouTube lyric video by the group Casting Crowns, but you can find just the song on Spotify here.)?
What about you? If you missed chiming in on social media, what’s your favorite part about summer? Do you have a hard time letting go and relaxing? (Or do you have the opposite problem and need a motivating kick in the pants? Ha.)
