Making The Most Of It

People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

“Okay, guys, it’s that time of year again,” I said, passing out sheets of paper with the words “Summer Bucket List” printed at the top. “Come up with your best ideas, and then we’ll decide on our final list as a family.”

“Ooh, I know what’s going on my list,” one of the kids crowed, hiding her paper from her sister so she couldn’t sneak a peek.

For the next several minutes, all that could be heard was the faint scratching of pens. Turning to my own list, I wrote down some of our favorite traditions from years past: a rainy day pajama party, made-from-scratch raspberry shakes from a local drive-in diner, visiting the state’s biggest candy store, the summer library reading program, a trip to the science museum, cones at a new ice cream parlor, painting pottery, and more.

Each year, we come up with a summer bucket list of ideas. Although some of the items cost money or require extra planning, many are free and can be done at home. Eating breakfast in bed, Backward Day (where everything is backward, including meals—in the morning, dessert is first, then dinner!), or creating a life-size game of Chutes and Ladders with chalk on the driveway cost us nothing but time, yet are richly rewarding experiences. We never get to all of them, but creating our list and posting it on the refrigerator reminds us to prioritize adventures and togetherness during the all-too-brief summer months.

Though working hard is essential, the Bible reminds us that we should also eat, drink, and delight in the fruits of our labor. Life is not meant to be drudgery but something to enjoy! Let’s celebrate by recognizing and making time for the “good stuff.” Each moment and memory is a gift from God that we can be grateful for. In the same way that we write down appointments and obligations, let’s take the time to write down—and schedule in—the fun activities.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Come up with your own bucket list, whether it’s three items or thirty. Ideas: travel destinations, friends to have over for dinner, meals to make, or books to read.