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Every year I feel it.
As the school days come to a close, it begins to rest upon my shoulders.
And, as the summer sun greets me, I feel the full weight of it slowly dragging me down.
The PRESSURE.
- The pressure to create an extravagant summertime experience that my kids will surely never forget.
- The pressure to give them every summertime memory-making opportunity.
As if motherhood doesn’t carry enough pressure on its own, the weight of summer break seems to be especially burdensome for my momma heart. Can you relate?
I look around and observe what summer means to so many —
- Weekends getaways at the lake.
- Lavish vacations to places never been.
- Day trips to experience theme parks, and zoos, and museums.
- Every day at the pool, the splash pad, the park, and on the list goes.
The more I think about it, the more the heaviness begins to feel like failure. Am I failing this summertime motherhood gig?! Summer has barely begun, and I find myself wondering, “Could I possibly single-handedly ruin this fun time of year?!?”
You see, I want this to be a great time of making memories, but there is no way we can do it all! At least not while maintaining some semblance of sanity.
Our society is one of constant entertainment. There is always something to do and somewhere to go. And, this year I ALMOST bought into the lie (again). The lie that if I’m not constantly putting shiny objects in front of my kiddos, I am somehow letting them down. But, maybe the opposite is true.
I mean, there is absolutely nothing wrong with vacations, weekends away, and day trips to the amusement park. In fact, these are all great experiences and fun things to do!
But, you know what else I think is great? Simplicity. Days at home. Kids who freely play. Rest.
And, if my heart is this anxious, perhaps this idea of a summertime experience has become more of an idol I’m bowing to than anything else.
The reality is that a summer spent living up to what society deems acceptable will only leave me worn and exhausted. And, knowing my kids, they will probably be pretty spent too.
As the mom, I have to relinquish a little control and surrender the summer expectations to someone bigger than myself!
And, in doing so, I give myself permission.
And, hopefully, allow you to give yourself permission too.
Permission to let go of unrealistic summer expectations.
Permission to release the opinions of others.
Permission to walk through summer with blinders on, unhindered by what everyone else may or may not be doing. (Yes, that may mean putting that smartphone down.)
Permission to find joy in the simple moments of outdoor play and backyard bonfires.
Permission to rest, and be still, and breathe in each summer day.
Permission to eat Popsicles and have water balloon fights, and receive sloppy kisses.
Permission to enjoy some special outings without feeling like every day has to be one.
Permission to allow the children time to be creative and entertain themselves, even when they don’t think they can.
Permission to worry less about an extravagant experience and more about the simple memories their childhood will be made of.
Permission to fully surrender control and invite God to take the reins.
See, summer is just another season. My prayer is that God will meet us here, in this season; and whatever our experience may be, whether at Disney World or right in our front yard, may we choose His joy above all else!
What about you? Have you allowed summertime expectation to steal your joy and leave you feeling like a failure? I invite you to give yourself permission today to surrender your summer! What other things would you give yourself permission to either release or embrace this summer?
We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments below.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
The Secret to a Simple Summer was written by Sarah Lango of Gracefilled Growth.
Sarah Lango is a small town girl, wife, momma to 3, blogger, speaker, and coffee lover from middle Missouri. Sarah is the founder of Gracefilled Growth, a blog inspired by authenticity, and the reality that we are all learning as we go, but God’s grace is sufficient amidst our failures. She writes about marriage, motherhood, faith, and her unexpected journey of being a “sick kids” mom. You can view more of her writing at www.gracefilledgrowth.com or on Facebook.
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