AUGUST = SUMMER

If I asked ten of you what the word "August" brings to mind, I would probably get ten different answers. A lot of that variation stems from our childhoods. Your family may have been the one that always went camping every August, while another family probably spent a week each August helping Grandma can vegetables from her garden. So whether you're thinking beach, back-to-school sales, or organizing the garage, let me suggest another association for "August."

We live in such a fast-paced world that the 5th of July signals the beginning of school shopping, and the day after Labor Day brings out turkeys and Christmas lights. 

STOP- just STOP! 
Let's take this month and remind ourselves to revel in summer. 

Now you may be thinking, "but my children are already back in school" or "I need to take our winter coats to the cleaner's!" Slow down, I'm not saying to be irresponsible, I'm simply reminding you to take some time and make a few summer memories for this year.

I too have a to-do (or a want-to-do) list for this month, but I'm not going to let the list rob me of time spent with our family, enjoying the sunshine and blue skies! 

Noah Webster began his dictionary entry of "summer" thusly: "With us, the season of the year comprehended in the months of June, July, and August;..." He described "Reveling" as "A feasting with noisy merriment; revelry."

So, who wants to join me for some feasting with noisy merriment for the rest of the month???

I'm not just talking about eating, I'm talking about enjoying life. 

Feast your eyes on some flowers, or a nice, ripe tomato, or your kids having fun in the pool.

Feast upon a good book, read together, while sitting on a porch swing, or on top of a sand dune, or in a tent in your back yard. 

Feast on the stars, God's handiwork. This Saturday, the 11th, is the peak of the Perseids meteor shower. Make it a point to go outside, lay on your back, and watch. What an amazing thing to see a shooting star! Make it a memory together.

So in case you haven't figured it out, to me, August = Summer. Take an hour, a day, or even a week. Enjoy the bountiful, warm weather, and make some family memories. Then when your kids grow up, they'll have a word to associate with "August."