The End of Summer

The alarm clock in my mind is starting to ring. A week from today is the first day of school. The summer is winding down. The lazy days of sleeping late and sitting around enjoying my morning coffee are quickly coming to an end. This time next week, I am going to be standing in front of a class of 7th graders introducing them to the wonderful world of careers.

But I am not ready to let the summer slip by. There are so many things that I wanted to do yet I haven't done. Every day, I think of more things that I should have done, like a picnic in the state park filled with boulders or exploring that historic site I stumbled across this spring. I haven't had funnel cake at a county fair yet. I hoped to get new glasses before the new school year. Where has the time gone?

Even as I lament, I realize that I have to remember a few things. First, each season offers its own pleasures. The relaxation I enjoy in the summer is replaced by the crunch of leaves in the fall, cuddling under an afghan with a good book and a fire in the winter and the spring blooms in May. Second, I should learn to let go of things. Holding on desperately to summer creates tension in my life and doesn't allow my to enjoy the gift of today. Finally, I have to ask myself if I really need to fit all this summer into this summer. Or have I somehow disrespected this summer by feeling that I have not yet done enough? Sometimes, what has been done, if thoroughly enjoyed, is just right and more would be too much.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and look forward to the pleasures of tomorrow.