This week we did something different. I tried not to teach anything or plan anything or run the little people around thither and yon like a crazy person. Simply put: we had a summer break the way I used to back in the day. We did have a Chick-Fil-A day because I couldn’t bring myself to prepare lunch and dinner (cows, I hope you felt my deepest appreciation). They had a library afternoon so we could catch up on my library mortgage (um, fines). They had a couple play dates with friends (and I got to play, too). But otherwise, there was no formal instruction other than our continued study of the Old Testament and my shouting “Is that how Jesus would have you treat your sister?” and “Love and blessing.” and “Practice the piano!” We didn’t even utter that dreaded four-letter word: math.
And what did I do? Well, as a family we enjoyed a “Jurassic Park” marathon, critiqued kids cooking on “Chopped Junior,” toppled dominoes, ate ice cream, and slept in and stayed up late. Then, while the peeps played Minecraft, read for hours, played with Littlest Pets, frolicked in the sprinklers, fought over the swings, fought over the controllers, fought over toy furniture, watched movies, talked on the phone, talked to each other, ignored each other, whined about being bored, whined about washing dishes, whined about putting away laundry, and tried to stay out of my way, I wrote and read and cooked and tried to stay out of theirs. Who knew how beautiful the second floor looked from the chaise lounge in my bedroom? So, if I telephoned or texted you or prayed for you this week, now you know why.
I did feel a little guilty. I did have a little moment of looking up online summer camps or searching for summer enrichment, but other than helping them concoct some putty/slime/goo, I put the brakes on all mommy-led education. Classes, extracurriculars, studying, friends, work, planning, packing, meeting, teaching, crying, learning, track practice, soccer camp…that all looms just around the corner. Next week, in fact.
But I’m not thinking about tomorrow, at least not for long. Today we will rest and bask in the sun the Lord is warming us with today and the heat from the charcoal grill that’s barbecuing my chicken. I’m a few years from my jubilee, but now I’m celebrating my freedom in Christ, His sovereign protection, and my redemption from mommy guilt. I’m trying not to anticipate tomorrow’s trials and struggles, worry about dangers lurking outside my door, or feel the crunch of time. I’m relishing “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” and today I have the energy to pray you will, too. (Psalm 27:13)
“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
