We’re settling into the rhythms of summer here at the Rose Household.
Formal homeschool activities have wrapped up. Besides working on the book, I’m not focused on any big projects. For the most part, things have slowed down, and our main focus has shifted to enjoying the warmer months.
It’s a new season, and I don’t just mean that weather-wise. Different seasons of life have their own cadence and themes. And when I think about the different types of time, summer falls squarely into the category of Gift Time.
Sure, there are still things that need to get done, but on the whole, summer is a season for people, for lowering the pressure and the pace. It’s a time to recollect and reflect.
Ultimately, summer tends to be full of gift time from God for us to enjoy.
I’ve learned that my enjoyment of summer is often multiplied by adding a little intentionality to how I spend these gift days.
This summer, that’s where “gift goals” come in. These are simple, low-pressure projects that nudge me to intentionally slow down, rest, and enjoy the good things of the Lord.
Gift goals are different from ordinary goals: they aren’t outcome-focused; more about being than achieving.
Here are a few of my gift goals for this summer:
- Tending the garden
- Family trips
- Camping and hiking
- Lots of reading
The plans are looser, and there’s no real deadline to them, but choosing the activities in advance seems to save me from frittering away the season on activities that are neither restful nor productive.
Free Workshop
I’d love to help you think through your own gift goals for this summer.
Next Tuesday, June 16th, I’ll be hosting a free workshop on YouTube Live called Restful & Productive. It’s all about using the summer months as a halftime check-in for the year.
I’d love to have you join us live on Tuesday, June 16th at 12 pm ET for the workshop. There will be some announcements and special offers just for folks who make it live. But if you can’t be there live, the recording will be available on YouTube afterward.
