A Summer of Outside

the joy of summer intentions

A few months ago, someone I was working with asked me what my dream job would be. I stared dramatically out the window and said, “I just want to be outside!”

And it’s true, I love being outside. I like to hike and ski and swim and sit in parks and go on long walks. As an adult with a job that keeps me indoors for most of the daylight hours, I’ve developed a very romantic notion of an outdoor job. In my dreams, I move to Yosemite and become a park ranger. Or I lead walking tours through my favorite cities. There’s something about feeling the sun, breathing fresh air, and looking up at trees that feels so free. So natural. So childlike.

As the air warms up, I can’t help but think about the endless summers of my childhood. The days felt a million hours long. I’d wake up, hop on my bike, ride to the pool for swim team, then come home to lounge around, maybe teach summer school, or volunteer at Faith Camp. My summers were full of camping, lakes, and adventures up and down California. I’d return to school in the fall tan, happy, and totally content. I vividly remember showing up to student council prep week before my senior year of high school, wearing a hot pink tank top and white jeans. My chemistry teacher saw me in the hallway and gasped, “Jane, I’ve never seen you look so happy!” (And I’m a pretty happy gal.) We all are at our best after a little break (preferably in the sunshine).

We’re adults now, which means the years of summer vacation are sadly behind us. But in the spirit of my word of the year, celebrate (and the Lord’s gentle, consistent invitation to be more childlike), I’m declaring this my Summer of Outside.

So what does that mean?

Here’s my draft list of goals for the Summer of Outside:

• Swim in a body of water every weekend

• Spend at least one hour outside every day

• Eat one meal a week outside

• Take walking meetings and phone calls when I can

• Read in the park as much as possible

• Try not to get too many mosquito bites

My favorite thing about summer? The sun sets late. Super Duper late. That means more time to get outside while it’s still light out. I’m also traveling a lot this summer—for weddings, to see family—and you can bet I’ll be soaking up as much fresh air as possible.

One reality of being an adult is that our jobs take up a lot of our time. But the other reality? We often have more freedom in how we spend our free time than we realize. I don’t want this summer to blur by. I want to soak it in. I want to be warm and happy and splashy and outside.

And yes—I’m writing this from what will surely be a humid, mosquito-infested, sweaty DC summer. So if I’m committing to being outside, I’m pretty sure you can too. (Looking directly at my friends who live near the beach.)

So here’s my invitation to you: What’s your intention for the summer?

Maybe, like one of my favorite authors Gretchen Rubin, you want to read a bunch of books by a single author. Maybe you want to spend intentional one-on-one time with friends every Saturday morning. Maybe you want to learn how to bake sourdough. Maybe you want to move. I don’t know what’s stirring in your heart—but you do. And if you’re not sure, ask the Lord what He’s inviting you into this summer.

And if you know already?

Tell me! Comment below — I can’t wait to hear.

In Christ,

Jane

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What I’m loving lately

Ina Garten Cookbook Party

My cookbook club girls and I did an Ina Garten night this weekend and it was phenomenal - no skips! Every dish was glorious. And so much lemon! Highlights included Ina’s Roasted Chicken, Tomato Avocado Salad, Pannacotta, and the Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tart. 100% recommend.

My home

I did a deeeep clean of my home this weekend and I’m in love all over again. I love my little apartment - the light, the joy, the decor, the warmth! Grateful to have some time this weekend to enjoy time at home.

Little Koalas

The greatest joy I’ve had since returning to the states is handing out these little koalas to friends in DC. I ran around my office and stuck them on my colleague’s computers. Cute as heck and makes me giggle every time I see one.

Abandonment to Divine Providence

This book is changing my life. I love it so much. A recent highlight: “There is not a moment in which God does not present Himself under the cover of some pain to be endured, of some consolation to be enjoyed, or of some duty to be performed. All that takes place within us, around us, or through us, contains and conceals His divine action.” Wow, that’ll preach. 🫶🏻

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Prayer intentions

• For two special intentions