A Look back at Summer’s memory-making moments
August is nearing its end and September is peeking around the corner. Officially a few final weeks of Summer remain, but September tends to bring a whole different vibe. The rhythm of life shifts as parents with school-age children prepare for the school year ahead. The work week becomes more serious in nature, and plenty of retired folks find this the best time of year to travel. Afterall, the days are still warm, the crowds are less, and the fall colors are are sure to show up.
Take a Look Back
Our family packed a whole lot of fun into June, July, and August. So why not slow down long enough to revisit those memories before we pack those beach chairs away and call the season done? Looking back helps us remember good times together. Even if some of what was done this year won’t be a favorite next year, we all gave it a try. The mutual bonding of shared experiences is well worth reminiscing over. Cornhole has become a family favorite for us. It brings so much laughter and stays on our repeat list.
Our Family’s Summer
In June we travelled south 300 miles. Attending a dear friend’s memorial service was part of that trip. The majority of the time was with family and friends. A chance to visit face-to-face and an afternoon at Fish Lake. Fish Lake a high mountain lake set in the Cascade mountains. As a child, many Sunday picnics with fried chicken, potato salad, and watermelon happened right there with my parents, grandparents and three siblings.
In July our oldest daughter and her family arrived from Spain for a six-week stay. The days were filled with board games, shucking corn, barbecue dinners, and botanical gardens. The best part was just being together. Long morning walks and blackberry picking were simple pleasures.
In August our family sets aside a week for family camp. We all head to Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center. Twelve of us gathered this year for fun in the sand. Sand sculptures, Bible teachings, good friends, beach walks, more board games, ice-cream cones, and playing cornhole on the beach. One of the best memories of that week was baptizing my twenty-year-old grandson, Brady, in Ecola Creek. Unforgettable.
Why it’s Good to Look Back
Life is a time capsule. Ten years from now we’ll appreciate what we captured today. Looking back makes the initial experience all the richer. Details have a way of fading unless we help them stick around. Keeping a journal of the dates, places, and activities is a wonderful idea. Writing things down brings back better recall. Creating a picture album to put alongside the journal entries is another big plus. With technology being what it is today, online albums are easily shared. For those who prefer an album to hold in their hands, there are ways to make that happen. (Shutterfly or Walgreens for example). Even a simple collage of people and places works as a storytelling, memory-making visual aid to frame or store in a cupboard.
As we age, and we all will, the memories we’ve captured become treasures. Every day is a gift. Children change as they grow. And so do adults. Taking the time to look back keeps good times from being lost to time, or forgotten.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Summer blessings and special memories with family and friends. What a blessed people we are. Your love is beyond description and is seen wherever we go. Nature’s bounty bursts forth with our Creator’s creativity. Please remind us to slow down and count our blessings. Our hearts are full of gratitude. We praise Your Name. Amen
Coach’s Corner:
Not everyone has good summer memories. Perhaps your summer could have been better and you don’t want to think back on those troubles or strife. If this describes you, and if you want to implement change, talking with a life coach might be a next step to consider. I’d be honored to discuss this with you. The first 30 minute session is always free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/
