What a gorgeous July day here in northwest Montana! After a very long winter - snow storms clear into May and twelve inches of the stuff one day in June! - I'm literally drinking in the beauty and enjoying the slower pace of summer.

 
Although I'm hard at work on my new book (more about that later), John and I have decided to be very intentional about enjoying this season. Because as you probably know, it's just a blink and a skip and it's fall once again and school and schedules and time to put away the slippy slide and push-up popsicles.
 
So what are you planning for your summer? It kind of sounds strange to schedule fun, but that's what we've decided to do. Because this may be our last summer in Montana, we've started a "10 Things to Do Before We Leave" list. It's been fun to jot down little and big things we've always wanted to do in our area but never got around to.
 
Here are a few of my things:
           
-         Climb a mountain! Now if you know me, you know I am not the athletic type, but after losing 35 pounds I'm ready to do something I've never attempted before.
 
-         Go fly fishing. John taught me how last summer and I really enjoy the gentle rhythm of the line whip-floating across the water. Catching a fish would be okay, too. 
 
-         Go camping in Glacier National Park, complete with s'mores!
 
Okay, this makes me sound like a real outdoorsy kind of girl. Believe me nothing could be further from the truth. I'd rather hunt for a deal in the mall than cook over an open fire, but because we live in such a beautiful area, I want to take advantage of all the mountains and fresh air I can get!
 
Perhaps I awakened my inner granola girl last summer by climbing Mount Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. 8100 vertical feet and I made it all the way to the top. Okay, so the first 7300 feet were by tram, but I made it!! I made it! This time I want to do it without the tram. (I think.)
 
So what do you dream of doing this summer? You might not have a move imminent in your life, but what are some things in your area that you haven't had time (or made time!) for in the past. With gas prices as high as they are, you don't have to plan a road trip to make the most of your summer. Look around you. Picnic in a park you haven't visited or tour a local museum or a walk beside a stream. Or perhaps, like me, you need to push yourself beyond what you've ever done before.
 
The Psalmist says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12 NKJV). I'm fairly certain the writer of this passage had more spiritual pursuits in mind than roasting marshmallows, but I'm also certain that God delights when His children simply have fun. When they kick back and relax or get up and enjoy all the beauty He's created. Whatever you do this summer, receive it as a gift from the Father's hand. A white space, a seasonal margin intended to rejuvenate and restore our souls. So lay back in His love and enjoy all His gifts. Nature. Family. Fun and fellowship. Time with Him.