10 Things I Cherish About Summer

While every season offers holidays to celebrate, nature to enjoy, and highlights that mark the months, summer’s the time of year I cherish most.

Because there are many things to love about summer.

Since summer is just around the corner, a top 10 list is in order.

But we’ll start at number ten and countdown to the number one thing I cherish most.

(10.)  Reminiscing of childhood.

Reflecting on my childhood stirs a mix of memories, both good and difficult. Yet, when I think of summer, I remember fun and laughter and joy-filled moments. Memory lane reminds me of playing outside with my sisters and cousins.

Preteen and teen years meant days spent at the local swimming pool and the first time I jumped off the high dive. So I cherish fond memories of summer.

(9.)  Catching lightning bugs.

Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, these winged insects start appearing in June and are seen lighting up around dusk and nightfall.

Growing up, I loved seeing a countless number of them dotted throughout the yard. Cupping our hands, my siblings and I would catch them and place them in a jar. But we always let them go. And I recreated this experience with my kids.

Now, I cherish past and present summers catching lightning bugs.

(8.)  Connection and Community.

Summer naturally gets us out and about in our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and attending outdoor events. Examples include: neighborhood yard sales or block parties, music and other festivals, county fairs, and community mission and outreach projects.

Because our communities are opening back up after Covid-19, we can find ways to really connect in a safe way. Let’s cherish how much summer lets us connect in community.

(7.)  A blooming flower garden. 

My front yard sports the cutest flower garden. Encircled with stones, a small tree sitting in the center, the garden showcases several types of flowers. Blooms of stargazers, oriental lilies, African daisies, purple irises, and yellow day lilies. I enjoy weeding, watering, and caring for them to display all their glory.

I cherish the blooming stages of summer.

(6.)  Outdoor recreation.

No other season provides such great opportunities for outside play time: parks, sports, swimming, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water games, biking, hiking, walking, picnics, and so much more.

Although there’s a pandemic, enjoying outdoor activites with our family is one of the safest ways to cherish summer.

(5.)  Slower rhythm of life. 

Sure, life happens in every season. Yet, for many of us, summer life is slower, more laid-back, and lazy—not ignore-your-responsibilities lazy. But like the “lazy river” at a water park…relaxing while gently floating along with a slower current.

And summer normally means a break from school. However, as God’s children, the good Lord teaches us worth-while lessons when the rhythm of life is slow.

Like resting our weary minds and souls in Him. Or, slowing down and not running through life at breakneck speed.

I cherish a slower pace of life.

(4.)  Warm temperatures. 

It’s true, I’m a warm-weather girl. Although sweltering temps and unbearable humidity is not desirable, I prefer warmer temperatures to the frosty digits in the dead of winter.

So think about it, have you ever heard anyone say, The dead of summer? Warmth of the season brings growth and life. Look around at all the green…at all the life!

(3.)  Camping.

My husband and I love to go camping. We’ve camped beside creeks, in state parks, at campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountians, and in several states.

We cook our meals. We enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. And sometimes go to local attractions. Campers camp in the spring and fall. But summer is a busy and favorite camping season.

(2.)  Trips/vacations.

Our family loves to go on trips in the summer. And the beach is one of our favorite vacations. So we happen to be at the beach this week for a much needed getaway.

Of course we are taking precautions due to the virus. Like ordering food curbside and eating at a picnic table. Or, cooking breakfast and eating around the big table in our condo. We are having a blast. Just being together makes every trip special.

(1.)  Long summer days.

The extended amount of daylight makes my number one spot on the list. I love the long summer days between sunrise and sunset. When light hangs around longer than usual, it’s amazing how many tasks, activities, and experiences are possible.

Furthermore, it reminds me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness.

What do you cherish about summer?

IAF post, How to Laugh and Play More as a Family.

Featured Photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash

Top Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash

Middle Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

Bottom Photo by David Lezcano on Unsplash