The first step in savoring the Simple Pleasures of Summer begins in the imagination of your mind. Well, actually your brain and maybe your heart too. Seeking simple pleasures is an act of intentionally deciding to do it. It sounds like an idyllic pursuit however, aren’t these pursuits of critical importance in this cluttered world? Take time to clear your schedule and enjoy the simple things in life. Slow down to smell the roses and maybe even unplug so that you can interact with real people and things.
When you think, of simple pleasures what pops into your head?
For me, It is coffee and breakfast on my front porch, walks in the woods, and running through the sprinkler (I am not opposed to doing this even at age 50). I like to play board games with my kids and sit around and talk and laugh lots! Listening to the birds in my yard and walking in the garden to see what is in bloom for the day is tranquility itself.
Your idea of simple pleasures might be quite different. One thing is the same, though. You have to make time in your schedule to experience them. You have to actively look for slow moments even getting creative in order to experience new simple pleasures that you might have never experienced.
I know what you are thinking, you’re wondering if this is impossible or not realistic. Can I ask you to do something? Will you pray about what you need to eliminate in your life to make this happen? Pursuing Christ-Centered Slow Living is a joyous journey!
I would argue that the simple things in life
are often the most necessary. The question arises,
how can we make our homes places where we can enjoy
the simple pleasures of Summer?
Take a media fast for 6 weeks or the whole summer. (The first two weeks are the hardest! If the kids pitch a fit then you know you were right to initiate the fast, they will get the hang of it.)
The Simple Pleasures Of Summer
Snuggle with your children.
Spend time with God in prayer.
Eat breakfast on your porch, deck, or balcony, or spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy!
Have the children write a letter to a loved one.
Read aloud a book your whole family will enjoy!
Take a break from traditional Summer activities like camps and swimming lessons. Let the kids play in the backyard, the creative play takes time but once they learn it they won’t ever want to give it up.
Take family walks.
Cook together and make sure to laugh a lot.
Spend some time alone.
Take a nature walk and worship God through His creation.
Run through the sprinkler with your kids.
Go for a picnic.
See a play or symphony.
Make an effort not to rush through the mundaneness of your day. Be present in every moment and you will learn how to take pleasure even in the washing of the dishes. Employ as many of your five senses in the tasks you daily complete and you will find the mundane turning into a simple pleasure over time.
Read an actual, printed, newspaper.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Drink a glass of lemonade made from real lemons.
Start a thankfulness prayer journal.
Have an outdoor nature scavenger hunt.
Make time for family devotions at the breakfast or dinner table or even right before bed.
Keep a journal.
Walk or ride your bike more…drive less.
Build a blanket fort.
Cut a fresh bouquet of flowers.
Read a Book of the Bible this Summer.
Make fresh salsa and eat every bite!
Follow the Christ-Centered Slow Living Summer Plan!
Listen to an audiobook.
Spend time at a lake, stream, creek, or beach.
Drink a glass of cold iced tea on a hot day.
Paint a picture.
YOUR TURN…
What are your simple pleasures of Summer?
Blessings,
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Hi Janelle,
My simple pleasures of summers include: homemade ice cream, the smell of fresh cut grass, camping, stitching, reading (several) good books and sitting outside in the evenings with my husband and dogs.
Oh…I LOVE homemade ice cream! I should have included that one Bridget!
Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real Link Up. I will be sharing on my FB fan page. These are great ideas. Right now I am loving sitting outside with my husband and dog, enjoying the evenings before the bugs get bad. Usually reading or chatting. Perfect summer evenings to relax.
I agree Karen…I love reading and chatting! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Really enjoyed this article!
I’m so thankful you liked it!