It seems like only yesterday I was rolling my windows down, listening to Selena Gomez’s “Bad Liar,” and getting ready for the summer ahead. Now I’m bidding farewell to my fun, laidback, and relaxing summer months. I went to Kirklands last week and didn’t even make it in the door before being greeted by orange leaves. Fall wreaths hung on the entrance doors, and pumpkins had moved in and taken over the inside of the place. Then last Saturday I stepped outside to head out for a morning run – and bam! Fall weather had seemingly moved in overnight. Now I know there are likely plenty more scorching days ahead of us, but I was just surprised at the drastic drop in temperature (and humidity – thanks TN!) to say the least. I’m definitely ready for SEC football, but I can’t say I’m totally prepared for fall.
The summer months gave me a lot to be grateful for ☀, but I feel for Annie Downs in Looking for Lovely when she writes about having a hard time enjoying the present for knowing it’s going to come to an end. Part of that is because I know my vacation time is up, and around the fourth of July, it seems like I start a mental countdown knowing I’ll turn around twice and school will be starting back. Plus, stores don’t help with their “Back to School!” reminders either.
Clearly I can’t complain because two months off in the summer is about as good as it gets. I’m thankful for all the wonderful, fun, and exciting things I enjoyed this summer. I got some quality family time, and if you know me, you know that’s of the utmost importance. I love both spontaneous visits and planned togetherness with everyone. We went to the beach and the mountains, the two places my heart remains, and the vacations were perfect! And while my friends and I did plan several outings, we also got in the habit of texting each other in the mornings and asking if anyone wanted to go to the farmers’ market, the mall, or breakfast. I read seven books, none of which were school-related, and I just kicked back and enjoyed flipping the pages in the real world while entering into lands of a fictional world. Sitting on my front porch in the mornings became a lovely habit where I drank my coffee as slowly as I wished and read for as long as I decided. I also didn’t miss putting on makeup everyday.
I say all this to say, how important is it that we enjoy our present? Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves what gives us happiness beyond money, work, and busy-ness. In fact, I’d argue that most of the time, those things can cause us to be our least happy selves. Even with work starting back up, I’d like to continue enjoying these fun things this fall as much as possible, especially leisurely time and togetherness. I’m so grateful for even the smallest of blessings.
Are you taking time for fun? Hang out with your family. Leave room for unplanned fun time with friends. Sit on your front porch. Make yourself a dessert. Watch a good movie. Find a funny TV show. Leisurely read a beautifully crafted book. Go to the store without gobbing on makeup. And remember to enjoy the present. As my sweet Granny always said, there’s no time like the present.
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
Ecclesiastes 3:12