5 Ways to Get the Most out of Summer

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Whether summer begins, for you, on Memorial Day weekend or not until the solstice in June, the coming of the season is something to look forward to. 

It’s a season of beach vacations, BBQs, bonfires, long hot days, swimsuits, picnics… and of course, ice cream.

And reading, hammock swinging, slow schedules, frosty glasses of sweet iced tea, and lemonade.

A time when summer romances thrive, starry nights sparkle, families make memories… and skinned knees and dusty faces are the stuff of legend.

Is it any wonder, then, that summer is so highly anticipated?

Marvelous, beautiful, sunny, warm, delightful… summer… at last!

Days of endless beauty stretch before us.

Yet while I loathe to think of it… this incredible season won’t last forever.

These long days of pure beauty can breeze past like a whirlwind.

Let’s make it last. Let’s ring every last ounce of joy from this oh-so-wonderful season.

Here are some ideas to jumpstart the season.

5 Ways to Get the Most out of Summer!

1. Embrace the Schedule

Whether you have kids in school or not. Whether your work schedule stays the same or not. Summer can bring a delightful casualness to life.

While my calendar squares are neatly organized during three seasons of the year, I try to keep many white blank squares in the summer. Take the time to float just a bit. Relax, take a breather. Be spontaneous. Keep your options open.

2. Get Outside

So much of life is spent in enclosures — work, home, commutes, gyms. Take time this summer to get outside. Remember those endless summer days as a kid? Climbing trees, building forts, catching fireflies, or grasshoppers? Remember how tired you were at the end of a day well spent? Revive those days. Be intentional about spending time in our beautiful world. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Eat as often as you can outside.
• Be a tourist and visit historical and significant locations where you live.
• Go on a hike or nature walk.
• Plant a garden or container of summer blooms.
• Visit your farmer’s market or farm stand.
• Plan an outdoor picnic.
• Attend a concert in the park.
• Host a family reunion.
• Plan a block party.

3. Curb the Devices

While it’s impossible for most of us to completely unplug from our devices, perhaps we can find some distance. Quiet the incessant dinging, pinging, and ringing. Set aside times during your day when you can put them out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind? Right? Invest in face-to-face encounters as much as possible.

4. Invest

Take time this summer to invest in church, people, and organizations dear to your heart. It may be as simple as volunteering for a church camp, or hosting a dinner. Perhaps while mowing your own lawn, you can also mow elderly neighbors as well. Volunteer at your local food bank, or community garden.

5. Relax

Take some time to watch the clouds float past… and dream. Take time to journal, read a book, take a nap, listen to the night sounds. Find a hobby. Do a craft. Build something. Enjoy your family, take a deep breath… and thank God for this beautiful summer.

“That beautiful season the Summer!
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
And the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow