Well, they’re off to seventh and fourth grades! (The youngest, who, of course, jumped into another photo, is headed to Mother’s Day Out tomorrow.)
As my family of five sat on our porch eating our hod podge dinner Sunday night, Greg asked us what we had learned this summer. Sunday nights are always bittersweet for me as I transition from a weekend mentality to preparing for the week ahead, but this was the last one before school started today so extra feelings were surfacing.
I loved that Greg asked the question, though.
Our answers ranged from food discoveries to my more emotional answers about grief and belonging to books we loved to practical solutions around the house. We joked and remembered and listed joy after joy.
Here are some of the things we learned, collectively and individually:
- Grief is complicated and affects one’s sense of belonging. (Read more about belonging.)
- Springs of water can come through an asphalt driveway and make quite a mess. (Any solutions to this one welcome …)
- Trapping wasps is possible but they’re still sneaky enough to make their homes in small places they aren’t wanted.
- Burgers are delicious cooked in a cast-iron skillet on the stove. So are steak bites.
- New-to-us book series and authors are always welcomed. One child and I read a lot of fiction books, which is no surprise. And another child learned the joy of reading when we limited TV and other screens. (I have been devouring Colleen Hoover books. Cate found a new-to-her series called “The Unwanteds.” And Ben has been reading like never before.)
- Hospitality heals. I know this, but I was invited in when I needed a break from initiating plans. (Read more about that.)
- Home is where I needed to be many of the #88daysofsummer, but now I’m looking forward to some trips this fall.
We learned plenty more about each other – as a family and individually. And I’m in the midst of processing grief and anxiety and motherhood, but, for now, I’m grateful God gave me a fresh perspective and ushered us into a new season of life and school together.
Tell me, what have you learned this summer?
How much I love the rain, both real and spiritual, it had been so hot. And thanks for unbelievable favor and grace.
Refreshing rain is wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
I, too, think it’s true that hospitality heals but, so often, when I’m hurting all I want to do is withdraw and retreat. Past the point of what is needed or helpful. I have to fight to engage – even to simply accept others’ hospitality. But the effort is always rewarded. Hmm, just a thought – if someone does not accept your first invitation, gently keep trying. The second invite might be just what they need. Hope it is a great school year for all of you! Also great to look back and find lessons learned over the summer!!
I totally get that, and I did withdraw more than I usually do. But God really blessed with a friend who reached out and hosted a bible study at her house each week. I definitely didn’t make as many plans while I was processing & healing, but I do think God used that time to help me anyway. You’re totally right that a second (or third) invite might be necessary sometimes. Thanks for sharing and being here, Jennifer!