Today is the last day of my summer vacation. Tomorrow is my first day back on duty as a teacher. School doesn’t start till August 14th. I however have been working in my classroom for the past two weeks trying to clean and declutter for another school year.

As I look back on these past few weeks and sit here reflecting on this summer, I just wanted to make a list of the fun things my family and I have enjoyed. I can then come back to this list and remember all the great memories we made and how fun we had.

I enjoyed sleeping in most days. I wasn’t in a hurry to wake up too early. Most days I would still wake up early enough to go to a 7am exercise class. I will definitely miss that!

I have enjoyed slow mornings. I have enjoyed my quiet time without any time restraints. In other words, I could take as long as I needed to hear from God.

I have enjoyed spending time outside with my children on fresh summer mornings. I have enjoyed sitting outside watching them play.

I enjoyed running outside in the mornings.

I enjoyed having time to spend with my husband watching movies at night.

I enjoyed our summer vacation to the beach.

I enjoyed spending time with my parents this summer.

I enjoyed leading our Women’s Bible Study.

I enjoyed attending my daughter’s dance recital this summer.

I enjoyed taking my children to VBS.

I enjoyed watching my daughter attend her first volleyball camp!

I enjoyed watching my children ride their bikes outside in the evenings.

I enjoyed decluttering most of my house this summer.

I enjoyed going out to eat with my family.

I enjoyed shopping this summer.

I enjoyed just relaxing in my bed watching a good movie.

I enjoyed organizing and rearranging my office.

I enjoyed taking my kids to the Trampoline Park, that was a lot of fun!

I enjoyed reading.

I enjoyed writing in my journal.

I enjoyed cooking and baking for my family.

I enjoyed just being able to breathe and slow down.

I’m sure there are more things I enjoyed but for now, that’s all.

As I prepare myself for another school year, my 12th to be exact, I will carry this scripture with me:

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

What great assurance from Jesus, that I will find rest for my soul. No matter how busy I get,  how stressed I feel, or how tired I may be, I know that I can find rest in Jesus. Now that’s comforting.

Praying for our teachers, staff, admins, parents, and students as we return to another school year. May God bless us all!

Ofelia Lawrence