It’s easy for summer to rush past in a whirl of activity and miss the small moments that will matter most in the years ahead. I want to spend my time on things that leave a lasting impression—especially when the internet constantly showcases dazzling makeovers and creative projects that can distract us from the people we love. I don’t want that to happen in my life.
A couple of summers ago, my children and I spent a day playing tourist in and around our new hometown. We explored a wildlife preserve, took in the beauty of Hood Canal, and finished the day in Port Townsend, Washington. It was one of those simple, perfect days.
As we walked back to the car at the end of the evening, my three kids walked hand in hand down the sidewalk in front of me. My daughters walked together, while my son kept hopping and leaping as he often does. It was an ordinary moment, but seeing them like that made me unexpectedly emotional—completely choked up, in fact.
I wrote about this tender moment and what it meant to me over at (in)courage, where I reflect on the value of small, meaningful experiences. Would you share a tender summer moment of your own?