Summer Expectations

Do you feel like you're hanging on by a thread?  I always feel that way this time of the year.  There is so much going on to wrap up the school year -- Field trips, concerts, spring sports, etc.  Thankfully, in the busyness of life, God also sees fit to give  us warmer and longer sunlight days... it somehow seems to make the crazy schedule so much easier to handle.

However, we often transition from one busy schedule to the next as we attempt to tackle so much in the summer months to make up for what we can't do in the winter (at least that's true for us northerners).  I always have such high expectations for my summer... places to visit, things to teach the kids, projects to complete, friends to have over... you get the picture.  I've noticed the older my kids get they too have expectations and often our expectations collide and one or both of us are disappointed.

I heard a great idea this week while listening to a web cast featuring Lysa TerKeurst and Crystal Paine.  Crystal talked about establishing a "Bucket List" with your family before the summer begins... each family member lists 2-3 things they desire to do, then you meet together with calendar in hand and schedule all the activities before the summer months are here and then gone again.

I love this idea for several reasons... mostly because I'm a list kind of girl.  I recognize that some of you are more a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of person, so if that works well for you then by all means continue doing what you're doing!  I also love this idea because it allows me to plan ahead financially, so I can enjoy the activity without the added stress of wondering how I'm going to pay for it.  Another reason I like this plan is that it allows me and my kids to look forward to periodic outings throughout the summer... there is something to be said about anticipating something in future.  I think it makes the activity more meaningful if I've waited in eager expectation.

I should also note that just because your child has a certain desire it doesn't mean it has to be done.  I'm sure all my kids would put on their "Bucket List" to go to Disney World and well... that just can't happen this summer.  So it may be a good idea BEFORE they make their list to explain to them the parameters their expectations need to be within.

What plans do you have for your summer months?  I would love to hear about them!

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  (Matthew 24:32, NIV)

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.  (Song of Solomon 2:12, ESV)