Summer Time

Oh the days of summers past and future. So many memories and experiences from the chapters of my sunny summers. With many more to come that might follow an intended plan or completely surprise me.

The events and experiences of summer that come to mind include; graduations, weddings, school holiday, vacations, fairs, and so much more. Summer is FUN! A change in routine, opportunities to take a break, appreciation for air conditioners, and welcome time to just get outside and enjoy the season of summer.

Growing up for most of my life in sunny California each summer included water, sprinklers, pools, rivers, streams, lakes and the pacific ocean. Playing with friends outside till ‘after the streetlights came on’, adding a few ‘do, climbing trees, drive-in movies and so much more. Moving was also a part of nearly every summer I can remember growing up, mostly throughout California, with two years in Ohio. During the moves we packed, cleaned and set up the new home quickly so we could get out and play!

As a teen I participated in summer musical theater workshops that filled my days and nights of summer with new opportunities I enjoyed so very much. Musical Theater and singing would carry me through High School and some college, and later as an adult in various local theater productions along with a few years working at an academy of arts studio that opened so many doors for me to continue enjoying summer fun through the arts. For many years church worship teams and events during the summer provided yet another fond memory and opportunity to enjoy singing through the summer.

From becoming a new mother through the 30 plus years of having children living in our home, we did our best to enjoy summer experiences. Sometimes through the blessings and gifts of our parents, other times through a surprise of extra income. Other times the simple pleasures of just taking in what was around us. We spent many summers involved in summer vacation bible schools, and church camps too. Although funds were tight when the kids were growing up, we still enjoyed summers together as best we could and made many lasting memories.

Today as I sit here in NW Arkansas on a warm day with the hint of increasing heat in the air, I am reminded of how grateful and blessed I am to be living here now. While I am walking into my third summer without Ken in my life, I am planning and experiencing more than I ever thought I would at this stage or chapter in my life.

I had no idea three years ago when Ken I were moving up to NWArkansas to be near some of our family, work a few more years, then retire and live out our lives here that I would experience just one more summer with Ken. But oh did we enjoy it! God blessed us with a perfect apartment to live in (although intended to be a short time has become more of a permanent and much appreciated home for me now). We took walks, rode bikes, went to outdoor concerts, ate at many local eateries, spent time with our family, played with our grandchildren and for a few short months after the doors opened again from the Pandemic, enjoyed worshiping together. And now I am doing most of the same, except riding my bike, without Ken, but never alone.

My first thoughts of how the summer feels generally reminds me of warmth followed by baking heat and recently humidity. The welcomed experiences here in my hometown of nearly 3 years await me each day as I slip on my sandals, and summer attire anticipating the sun and opportunities outside my door. From a multitude of walkways, trails, nature areas, parks, waterways, that are literally just a few steps from my door to an array of places to enjoy a refreshing beverage, unique cuisine or the bounty of art and music throughout this beautiful area. I truly feel that at this time in my life I belong here. *Sign on the Momentary in Bentonville Arkansas “You belong here”, one of many fascinating experiences in art, music, cuisine, coffee and more.

Having family members nearby to share time with and create new memories is a tremendous blessing. As well as being able to visit others a few hours away. And of course sharing time with my furry companion Kippy is delightful. Add to that the friends that have joined me on this journey, like you reading my journey, friends who have shared time through prayer and encouragement, walks, long talks (where I do most of the talking), playing games, sitting by the pool, hammocking, visiting local places and more. I am looking forward to whatever plans unfold as well as the surprises that this summer holds. For I know that God literally holds my future as well as my past in his hands.

So where do your thoughts take you when you consider summers’ past? How about your plans for this summer, or future summers? How might you remember this summer in the future? What might the best summer vacation look like for you? Who will be included in your summer memories? How will you take time to rest, recover and enjoy this summer? Please feel free to share below in comments or send a personal email my way via my connect page. I look forward to hearing from you.

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of your summer time. May God Bless and encourage you in your summer plans and whatever surprises come your way.

Pati