At the end of June I wrote myself a little letter. (back here) My thinking was that if I could let Tara know in the middle of the crazy part of June that it would 'all work out', then I could enjoy next June more. I actually think it will work.
Well, here we are at the end of July and I thought I'd write myself a letter that I could read next July to remind myself of the goodness that July holds.
So here goes. These are the things I want to remember about the rythm and rhytme of July:
Dear Tara,
July finds you in such a different place than that June letter you wrote. So so different. July is filled with days upon days upon days. And that is a gift. The trick is to slide into it and enjoy it.
July is a month that you don't think about school. The past school year is long gone and the one to come is so 'far away' as yet. So July provides you a grand opportunity to do things, think things, make things, and just let your mind be.
There are two big things in July. One is your personal 'God time'. Each day after the girls are off, there are precious hours that allow you to dive deep into God's word, prayer, devotionals, and journal. It is so wonderful that there is no time limit and you have enough time to go until you feel that you are done. That doesn't happen in the school year, so enjoy it. Make a cup of tea with steamed whole milk. Take your time. If the spirit moves, do a study on a topic (joy, patience, life-giving words were this July) Write everything down as you are learning because you will need to come back to it during the school year. Add sticky notes to what you are learning in books and the Bible.
The second is taking care of your family. This is the time to lavish upon them as much as you can. (There is cinnamon swirl bread about to come out of the oven right now❤️). Homemade blueberry lemon muffins, fresh baked bread, homemade meatballs for lunches, salads for Abigail's days at work, this is lovely and wonderful. It won't go away during the school year but is sure is nice to bake in the middle of a morning, run to the store for ingredients, and see it through all before lunchtime!
And in combination of those two big things, this is the time to inspire at meals all that you are learning in your Bible studies. Discuss deeply, linger over dinner, enjoy their own unique perspectives. Take time to pray more for those darling daughters of yours.
July is also your precious anniversary. That day either home or traveling, is a special day with the love of your life. Soak it in. Try to get out in nature that day, eat something wonderful, hold hands across the table at a restaurant, and just celebrate your years and your love for each other.
There might be a house project going on. The huge disruption it makes and sometimes the huge mess is okay, think of how great it will all look when it is done. And thank that hardworking, wonderful husband of yours that does those home projects in his spare time.
Work in your sweet planner. Carry it all around in your basket. Avoid social media. Instead, memorize scripture, turn on delightful music, tidy an area, decorate little places with dishes you love that have strawberries. Nothing has to be 'all done', decorate as you find a little treasure or want to 'redo' a little place at home. Organizing something, even small, feels so good, and so does getting out to a little antique store and poking around for a unique basket, or vintage something that will make your heart sing. Read a darling cookbook and mark recipies you want to try. Read those little Gooseberry Patch Country Friends mini books. Dive into vintage decorating books that are in your family room. They inspire without a screen. In July you can become the woman you are meant to be by filling each moment of each day with goodness, love, purpose, beauty, and joy.
Oh July, you are a wonderful month to enjoy!
❤️me
