Lately 7.22
“The deeper our troubles the louder our thanks to God.”
Our summertime began on the first of July, following our official last day of school when our daily rhythm also ceased. We didn’t throw a pizza party, no certificates, no last day of school portraits, just one final assignment then closed the books to a sigh of relief. This year has been especially difficult for us to navigate as a family due to grieving circumstances; but respite from anxieties and healing from loss, I testify, can be gently walked through while growing a garden.
The days of this month seem to march along after a Fourth of tide pools during sunset, homemade vanilla cake, and watching fireworks illuminate the night sky across the bay as we celebrated America’s Independence from the hillsides of La Jolla. Commitments are being penciled into our fall calendar as I excitedly prepare our feast for the following year— sifting through curriculum that breathes familiarity and inspiration. A parent orientation scheduled next Thursday will likely sneak up on me, along with a road trip we’ve been hoping to take to celebrate our tenth anniversary; and while the days seem to fly, I have much intention to sow personal habits into my weekly repertoire before July escapes!
Less is more, even when choosing what we are dedicating our energy and time to. The girls have been keeping a weekly journal of their observations in the garden, finding their independence in the kitchen and leisure in outdoor activities. They’ve taken quite an obsession for Legos—both building and drawing. The older ones have resumed guitar and ukulele lessons with a family friend, and the younger ones -my wildflowers- are just being their vibrant and lively selves all around the clock with their infections laughter and silliness. My husband installed an arched trellis out of cattle fence and t-bars for the cucumbers, watermelon, and squash to climb, and together we tilled another garden bed in the ground to grow more vegetables and cut flowers. As for me, I’ve made it a goal to pursue this blog as my part-time creative gig and so far it’s bringing me a lot of joy and inspiration to even write this.
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds are dead”
Leaning into this season looks a lot like carving more time with my family, displaying faith in action and serving one another in tangible ways that show evidence of love. It’s a hard season, but I’ve been assured… we’ll get through.