Summer visions and plans

How can it be the middle of May already? This week begins with dropping off our youngest for six weeks with her family in Colorado.   As a blended family we have transitions each summer for where the children are. One of the things I am thankful for is that our transitions are peaceful and enjoyable for all sides of the equations. Family is such a precious thing and they need all of us.

As we are into the third month of major renovations in our 1956 home, we have been living in the house 2 months now. It’s lush green surroundings are visual fuel for my heart and mind. I am personally changing pace this year, my last child at home, my oldest children in their own lives in Oklahoma, my youngest son married now with a lovely family. The times they are a changing as the song goes. I find this to be a glorious time of discovery among the thorns. I will turn fifty in August, which for me was always the milestone that I promised myself I would be “settled” and indeed I have purchased the perch.  It’s time to rediscover the gifts I’ve learned and to learn new ones to share.

Change doesn’t always come easy. I am one to visualize change long before it happens typically. I am alright with waiting for the right alignments of time, age, career to do things I wish to do. There were days when my husband was often over seas deployed and I was needed more in the throes of daily life with four children. Now, my joy is to see how these children have grown into the people I adore. My role is changing in their lives and I think mine in theirs.

We’ve not planted the gardens this year and that is on my agenda the next few weeks. Madison and I enjoy our attempts at growing things though we are novices. In our new yard it is likely we’ll feed the fat squirrels and birds more than ourselves, but that too will be a delight to watch. I believe God has given my three acres especially creative, fun loving animals for they are continually being the comics when I try to read outside or work in the yard. One of my goals for the summer is to create a patio space for our family to gather.

I have a set a few small and not so small goals for this summer. Do you set goals? My work and life at home just runs better when I have outcomes based planning. I am not always about hitting them all, but just naming and setting dates to my life activities tends to make sure more joyful goals are met.  This summer I want to greatly reduce sugar in my consumption as well as add walking back into my daily routine. As I near fifty in August I have ideas of how I want the day spent, so preparation for that begins now…some 3 months out!

What are your plans for the summer? Will it be to build out your yard, your business or your daily life? Without a vision the people perish, so what is yours? I’d love to hear!