It’s Summertime

Originally Published June 2023

Kenny Chesney’s classic song Summertime reminds us of the joys that come in the treasured months of June, July, and August.

Summertime is finally here

That old ballpark, man, is back in gear

Out on 49

Man, I can see the lights

School's out and the nights roll in

Man, just like a long lost friend

You ain't seen in a while

You can't help but smile

There is just something about summer that makes us feel more relaxed…as if we have more time. Of course, there are no more hours in the day. But we do have more daylight and better weather that allows us to get out and do more, and that can make it feel as if we have more time. 

 Summer is also the bridge between school years. We kick off the summer with graduations and the completion of one school year, and we end it with a new school year, new grades, and new teachers. But between those two bookends are those oh so wonderful summer days and nights that linger and give us options.

Summer is a great time to live in the present, but is also a great time to think about the future. What will we do tomorrow? Next week? Next month? What new adventures will we pursue? What new challenges will we choose?

I hope that you will take time this summer to get to the ballpark, enjoy time with friends, or delight in the fact that school’s out. Sing along to the perfect song on the radio and sip a YooHoo. I also encourage you to spend some time on those warm summer days and nights thinking about your future. Will a new school year be in your future? A school year in which you learn a new skill? One in which you begin the journey to a new and energizing career? Will you begin a new hobby?  Maybe visit a new place. 

“School’s out and the nights roll in.” And while you are catching up on the past and talking about the future with your friends, talk about the incredible opportunities available to impact your life and the lives of others through new learning.