Originally published on Substack on May 20, 2026

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

Summer is in the air.

There’s just something special about the changing of seasons. Each shift comes with a sense of anticipation that stirs our souls. In my experience, my hopes and dreams for the next chapter almost always exceed my capacity or reality, but the sense of a new beginning, however small, is gratifying.

As I write, we are enjoying our first day of summer break. We start the school year a little earlier than most local schools, and after taking a few extra days off along the way, end a few days earlier. It works well for us at this stage.

My kids are dancing around, cheering for “no school!” and I’m not even the slightest bit offended. As much as I love teaching them — and I think they generally enjoy learning — I’m ready for a break, too! Mama’s brain also needs a chance to rest and recharge. Although if last summer taught me anything, I know those roughly nine weeks of break will fly by far faster than I realize or desire. I’ll also step away from the schoolbooks for a week or so, then dive into next year’s plans with gusto, eager to begin anew — after summer break.

As if right on cue, it’s beginning to feel like summer outside, too. After a warmer than average April, we’ve enjoyed a fairly pleasant May. So far this spring, even on days where temperatures climbed into the upper-80s, the heat hasn’t felt that bad because the humidity still remained at a fairly comfortable level. That sweet spot never lasts long, and it appears to be over.

The heat and humidity admittedly are not my favorite and we get nearly six months of it each year. Overall, though, I’m thankful to live in a place where we experience all four seasons, even if my favorites never seem to last long enough. (How do I love thee, early spring and mid-to-late fall? Let me count the ways!) God created all the seasons and they’re all a blessing in their own way. The older I become, the more I find I’m grateful for what they each bring to the table. I’ve made it my goal to find something fun to enjoy and look forward to in each season.

One of the things I love about summer is water play. The kids love it and it was one of my favorite parts of summer as a kid, too. We grew up in a subdivision with a small neighborhood swimming pool, and my parents would pay for a membership each year. We went all the time. When we were older and could stay up later, it was particularly fun to go swimming after dinner and stay until it started to grow dark.

At this stage for my younger family, the water table and sprinklers are where it’s at. My mother wisely bought us a water table as a gift before my second was born. (She had also lived through two under two and knew I would need some new play options!) Six years later, it’s faded and worn but still going strong and supplying hours of fun. I think it will be with us until it falls apart. Popsicles, reusable water balloons, water fountain and splash pad play at the park, blossoms in the garden, grilling dinner, and summer reading programs also always rank pretty high among our summer favorites. On sweltering days, there’s always the library and aquarium in addition to other fun options at home.

Come July, I’ll wander the aisles at Hobby Lobby to gather handicraft supplies for school and gaze longingly at all the fall decor, but for now, we’re embracing summer with open arms.

How are you planning to enjoy summer?