School's Out - Now What?
Preparing for Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer
“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer….” That’s right, schools are out soon and that means everything turns green around you, the days heat up and those little students become fun-seekers. If you’re lucky some of that fun will be with you!
Here in New England summer is like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon. After bundling up all winter, we shed some clothes, change into shorts and T’s and are ready for fun. In the process let’s not forget that God created the world as a kind of play-place for us. From the moment God said, “Let there be light!” on day one, our eyes were opened to the possibilities.
Let those days of creation remind us of summer fun and the everywhere-presence of the one who created them….
Water Fun!
“God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’”
This can take many forms, from mud puddle splashing to jet skiing to sprinkler fun. I’ve often wondered what was in God’s mind when he created water. Was it for cleansing, drinking, aquatic living or just play. I’m sure it was all of the above. After all, water is one of the three created things necessary for life, together with air and food.
2023 was our wettest summer on record. We have just had one of the wettest springs on record, and it is poised to give 2023 a run for its money. There is a temptation to see it all as bad weather, cancelled outdoor events and stuck-inside-rainy-day games. Here’s a challenge: talk about the rain, how it replenishes the wells and makes gardens grow. Talk about the days of Noah and the flood and the promise of God in the rainbow to never flood the earth again. Talk about when Jesus and his disciples were bound in a boat in the middle of a storm and Jesus stilled it with the words, “Peace, be still!”
Flowery Fun!
“God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed… each according to its kind on the earth…‘“
From the first daffodil and forsythias in the spring to the last of the daisies in summer, the fields furnish fun for kids. I spotted a field of daisies on a trip home with the girls and we just had to stop (see below).
In our search of the field we found a few other flowers as well. All of them came home, were cut, arranged and placed in water for two bouquets, one for Grammy and one for GG. The fun was just for us!
I always pair a flower picking expedition with a quiet reading of Miss Rumphius. This is a magical story based upon a real person who sought to make the world better by planting lupins.
Sunny Fun!
“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens… the greater light to rule the day…’”
You probably know that the sun is 93,000,000 miles from the earth. But did you know that a slight adjustment nearer or farther would render the earth uninhabitable? Someone knew what he was doing when he created the earth and sun. That’s probably why he pronounced everything, “Good.”
Since we don’t have to worry about this we can enjoy it. Sunny days for kids are about more than vitamin D, they are about the whole package that includes fresh air, exercise and just plain fun.
Creature Fun!
“God said, ‘let birds fly above the earth… creeping things and beast of the earth…’”
I’m not a huge fan of creepy crawly things, but my granddaughters are. They famously refuse to step on them or swat them, choosing instead to relocate them or name them. There is a fly in our house that Kinsley dubbed “Maddie” and has taken on a kind of mythic existence. Let’s just say that fly swatters are only allowed when my granddaughters are not with us.
Then, of course, there are the domestic creatures we call pets. You’ve read the story of River and the lessons that taught us, but now Sassy has taken her place; a lovable rescue who is now part of the family.
Outside Fun!
That’s right, summer is made for good fun! Even rainy days have puddles for splashing and the sunny says, well, let’s just say kids hope they never end. The first human creatures were placed in a garden of delights. God furnished it with everything they needed. My wife grew up with six siblings and their mom literally shut them out of the house and forced outside fun. She has no regrets. Our doors remain unlocked but in the summer, they are open to the outside world.
The official start to summer at our house was a robust water balloon fight followed by a wild game of “Capture the Flag;” actually three games as the adults surrendered to the kids’ chant for “One more game! One more game!”
At the end of the day, settle in, read “Goodnight Gorilla” or “The Napping House,” and reflect as God did when he “saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good.”
We are blessed in New England to have four seasons, every one of which is good in its own way. But summer mirrors God’s creation and provides a spacious playroom for kids to learn, grow and have fun.
That’s very, very good!
Very well written!