June

Jun 5

Igniting Presence this Summer

*Reflection by Lauren Booth*

“School is out (or almost). The days are the longest yet, drenched in sunshine. Flowers have bloomed. Maybe your calendar is packed with weekend trips or maybe it’s wide open.

Summer is upon us.

With summer often comes this relinquishing of schedule of sorts. Kids are out of school so maybe you’re shuffling them to summer camps or they’re home with you, ready to enjoy the lazy, sunny days. Sports schedules have lightened. Maybe your work weeks look shorter or lighter. Bedtime is later. Whatever your summer looks like, it feels like Michiganders tend to do everything they can to squeeze out every last drop of sunshine and warmth in this seemingly quick season.

While this open ended schedule might feel daunting to some, or the lack of structure has you feeling somewhat swirly, I want to invite you to step into it. Play around with the feeling of a less regimented life, just for a season. Less looking at the clock, more sun on the face. Setting the to do list aside (even if just for today), for a drippy popsicle or ice cream cone. Life will keep life-ing regardless, so stick your toes in the sand and enjoy this short, somewhat wild season. Let yourself revel in the lightness, the essence, of summer.

Think like a young child would: if you could report back come September, what adventures would have happened? Could you tell tales of late night firefly catching, slow and meandering boat rides, melty marshmallows, bubbles, and lots of swimming? Not a mention (or thought) of the clock or calendar or list?

I love you so. I can’t wait to hear of your adventures. Happy, happy summer!!”

— Lauren Booth