I am going to take a deep breath and slow down…

I will enjoy the time with my children. I will admire my sons when they’re not looking. And sometimes when they are. I will surrender to the volume and existence of the xBox.

I will clean out a closet or two and sort through a box, even though I might get sabotaged by a photo that makes me cry, and then I will make a trip to Goodwill.

I will sit in my favorite chair and call a friend long-distance and chat for an hour, planning our next half-marathon.

I will dive into a few books – a novel or two, a spiritual biography, and whatever else catches my attention. And I will read a picture book to the baby.

I will fall in love with my husband several times.

I will spend time by myself – walking, hiking, praying, day-dreaming, counting blessings.

I will listen to live music outside under the stars.

I will write love notes and leave them all over the house.

I will run without a watch.

I will celebrate with a girlfriend, sipping chilled, white wine in the backyard.

I will pray alone in a quiet chapel.

I will enjoy the sunrise and my morning cup of coffee on the patio with my husband.

I will sit silently with a friend whose heart is broken.

I will walk barefoot on the beach.

I will sing, laugh and picnic.

Maybe I will only do a few of these things, or even just one, and I will be grateful that I heard July calling and responded with my heart.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28)

***

Wishing you light and strength. And an easy summer breeze.