Something unexpected happened this past week (go figure!) when I received an email informing me that the summer camp I had enrolled my littlest one in for the entire summer was completely full and they no longer had a spot for him. No waitlist, nothing.

I was counting on him being there – E.V.E.R.Y. D.A.Y. this summer. The heat began to rise in my chest. I held my breath. Anxiety started to take over my thought patterns. What was I going to do?!

Two days later was my boys’ final day of school. Summer was officially here at our house – and my anxiety was washing over me like a tidal wave.

Normally in a situation like this, I’d freak out, (which I nearly was) and then immediately go into strategy-mode to think of ways to fix this problem. I’d plan and fill up our calendar with a myriad of other camps to keep the youngest preoccupied for the summer.

Instead, in that moment, I had (what I call) a Holy Spirit gut check.

Are there other summer camp options still out there? Absolutely… but I heard a still small voice in my spirit ask: To what end though?

So I can work more?

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m about to be a mom of a high schooler (Lord Jesus, help me!) and have realized I (likely) only have four true summers left with him at home. I see all the years that have gone by as a flash before my eyes every time I walk to his room and see his baby photo hanging in the hallway.

(That is a photo I’ll always cherish. We nicknamed him the Charmin baby – I mean he quite literally fit the picture when we took him to a photography studio at six-months old and they put him, naked, on a little white puffy blanket with a blue sky background. Charmin baby to a tee, ha!)

I digress.

After reading that email and suddenly coming to the realization that my plotted plans I’d carefully put together like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle were all crumbling before me – I felt in that moment this summer was going to be different.

So I made a purpose-filled choice – I’m taking a Summer Sabbath.

Sometimes we are called out of busy seasons so we can rest.

– Jess Henning

The pressure is off. I will choose to be with my kids, and I’ll work when my time and energy allows. My work will always be there, my kids however, someday will not.

I want this to be a joy-filled time and not look back thinking I should’ve done more with them.

What sounds joyful to me this summer?

Long mornings sitting with coffee and my Bible while the big kids sleep in and the little ones play. (Yes, that does actually happen, sometimes.)

Water balloon fights with watermelon breaks in the front yard.

Late afternoons at the community pool.

Writing in the early mornings with no plan on when I’ll post it.

Taking the kids to the movies in the middle of the day, just because.

Making breakfast for dinner – because who doesn’t love homemade buttermilk waffles any time of day?

I realize, as an entrepreneur, my mind will continue to think of ideas. I’ll always be thinking of ways to connect with and serve my audience, and please hear me, I want to serve you well! I will show up – but I will also be present for my family.

This morning I saw one of my friends post on her IG stories about the quote – “Be where your feet are.” I forget who originally said that – but I believe for us moms (and dads) that it’s so important to be present, especially when we’re with our kids.

There is certainly a time and season for everything under the sun. I want to encourage you, whatever season you find yourself in – be where your feet are.

So I’m taking a little time today to reflect on this past Spring season and all that I’ve accomplished – and I’m looking forward to what the next 12 weeks hold for me, my family, and my business.

You know I love talking about all things branding, business, goals, habits, planning, motherhood, joy, purpose, and life balance. So I’d love to know – what do you want to hear from me about? Will you tell me in the comments? Or you can dm me on IG. I love hearing from you!

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