This is currently the question that will quickly get the most negative response from me. The last few weeks (or months?) have been punctuated by too much busyness. We’ve not rested, been still, or sat quietly in I don’t know how long. And even though the majority of our busyness as been fantastically fun, we’ve still been too busy to think with any sort of clarity. I cannot even believe it’s June. It seems like May lasted about four days.
The weekend was no exception. Granted, every bit of it was good – VBS, family reunion, fellowship with new friends, roasting marshmallows on the back patio. But this morning I’m suffering the backlash of two children who’ve become accustomed to constant entertainment, and I’m about to snap someone’s head off. I’ve barely spoken two words to either of them, aside from, “Please, go play,” and “No electronics.” Jeremy and Jackson finally resorted to accessing their imaginations (gasp!) and playing in the hideout so I could edit photos and and familiarize myself with this week’s class assignments. Chuck and I agreed last night that we need an upheaval in this house. Somehow we’ve ended up with two boys who love to be entertained but struggle to entertain themselves for long periods of time. This hasn’t always been the case, and while I know some of it is the product of always staying busy, some of it is because we’ve allowed it happen. For shame!
The reality is that we’re going to need some sort structure this summer, especially if I ever want to get something accomplished without feeling rushed. I welcome suggestions, and of course I’ll peruse Pinterest for ideas. But based on my current level of fatigue and the recent incessant requests for computer time and video games, something’s gotta give.
I was having a discussion with two ladies the other night on the importance of a family sabbatical. Must we be so entertained? Must we fill every moment? Little man asked me to not have any extracurricular activities this past year, so we took out all but church and running club. That means we only had three days booked instead of all seven. I’ve learned a lot listening to my kids. It means the world to me when I hear both little man and princess role playing some sort of game that they’ve made up and are role playing outside.