Slower summers: less stress, more sacred

Is it just me, or do we all dream of a picture-perfect summer full of laughter, relaxing, memories and adventures? I have that mental image of what looks like a blissful summer … and then my schedule fills up and brings me to a rushed reality.

Between summer camps, family reunions, swim lessons, weekend adventures, play dates, weddings, a few classes and church groups, my summer ideal of playing with the kids in the backyard and licking icecream melts … and plops pathetically on the sidewalk.

Popping my perfect bubble isn’t the only problem – much more troublesome is that my children get addicted to the “Go! Go! Go!” adrenaline. Their first question in the morning is, “Where are we going today!?” followed by a, “What’s next?” An overbooked schedule creates a contentment crisis. Instead of feeling happy that the sun is shining and we get to eat breakfast in our pjs on the patio, they’re eagerly anticipating the next thing – and missing the current one.

“Too much” on our plate results in “too little” gratitude … Yesterday’s article by Brooke Romney entitled, “Why we are taking the fun out of life” hit the nail on the head and summed up so many thoughts that have been swirling in my head recently.

Plus, consistently rushed and busy days add up to a rushed busy life …
And when we’re running around, chasing time and skipping the important small stuff, it’s extremely difficult to feel the Still Small Voice. It makes sense that we have to be still to feel the Spirit’s still, small voice … Just envision stillness in the summer sun … soaking up testimonies of the Son of God.

I can read and re-read Julie B. Beck’s words, entitled, “Mothers Who Know” – the words inspire me to do less, in order to focus on more sacred things:

Mothers who know do less.
They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all.

Please note: This blog post is totally meant for ME. I’m far from perfect in this area! I must constantly remind myself the benefits of doing less …

That’s why I’m focusing on slimming down our summer schedule.
… to decrease stress and increase sacredness.
… to trim back summer bucket lists in order to tune in to family needs.
… to cherish summer service opportunities and soak in small moments.

One of my friends says she switches back and forth between one day at home and one day out and about. Another friend only leaves her country cottage to run errands in town on specific days of the week. What time management tips and tricks can you share? Please share! The more ideas, the better!