Summer Bucket List

by Amy Tromba

Anticipation built. Time moved at a glacial pace. Seconds felt like minutes, and minutes felt like hours. Then suddenly, the bell rang. Students cheered. Teachers collapsed in their chairs.

Summer vacation had begun.

The excitement of sleeping in late, lounging at the neighborhood pool, chasing the ice cream truck with change found under the couch cushions, riding bikes until the streetlights came on, catching fireflies in cupped hands illuminated all thoughts.

Ahh, the joy and comfort of simple childhood memories.

Caught in the rhythm of adulthood, I sometimes lose sight of the wonder of God’s goodness in life’s small pleasures, the little things that carry much joy: a tall, ice-cold glass of Southern sweet tea after working in the garden in the summer heat; listening to a gentle summer rain while sipping fresh lemonade on a porch swing; or comparing colorful tongues with your kids after enjoying flavorful snow cones.

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in planning my days I forget to stop and take time to smell the roses or embrace the spirit of carpe diem. It doesn’t require a lot of time, just a few moments to renew, refresh and restore my mind and spirit. It can be as simple as going for a morning stroll or having my lunch outdoors.

I recently learned that walking barefoot on grass can reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. And by getting outside, if only a few minutes each day, the intake of vitamin D from the sun’s exposure will not only boost the immune system but also result in the release of serotonin, a mood-boosting neurotransmitter.

To connect with my inner child, I’m creating a summer bucket list of little happies. It doesn’t matter if I check everything off the list, (I’m letting go of the task-driven adult in me!) I want my list to serve as an inspiration to experience moments of wonderment and awe.

I may not be able to roll down a grassy hill holding my sister’s hand without causing myself bodily harm, but I can start with these:

1.     run through the sprinklers with my husband

2.     see how many marshmallows we can stuff in our mouths without gagging.

3.     draw some chalk art on my driveway

4.     create friendship bracelets with a bestie

It doesn’t matter what’s on the list. The point is to be a child again, to have fun without fear of being judged by others or even myself, to live blissfully.

Thankfully, God delights in our delightedness. 

For the LORD takes delight in His people; he crowns the humble with victory. Ps. 149:4

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. Ps. 147:11

 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Ps. 37:23-24

 Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Ps. 37:4

 You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Ps. 16:11

What are some of your favorite childhood summer memories?

What activities would make your adult summer bucket list?

Step outside your comfort zone. Make a summer bucket list. Post your thoughts & ideas to inspire others.