The Art of Living Well: Finding Joy in Simple Summer Days

Quick, when you think of the word “summer,” what comes to mind? For your family, it might mean a big vacation, a family reunion, catching up on work, or keeping the kids occupied.

These sound wonderful… but have you ever considered the “art of summer”? What if summer was an opportunity to explore the joy in simple moments?

When we think of life as an art form, summer can mean something very different. Art can be about imagination, mastery, method, and presence. It’s about finding meaning in the ordinary and making space for joy in everyday moments.

Find joy in the sacred ordinary

This year, let’s consider summertime as a different sort of opportunity. One where we pursue the art of living well. A relaxed approach to our everyday homemaking..

If life is considered an art form, a gift, then perhaps it deserves a proper study of its potential.

The art of living isn’t always so much about what we do, but instead, what we choose to do differently. Apart from the demands of expectations, but with anticipation of observation, in addition to execution.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —William Arthur Ward

Find joy in aimlessness

Mastering the art of summer can change our lives. Instead of being busy, unavailable, and occupied…consider a period of aimlessness.

Spend days pursuing nothing except the privilege of observing the world around you. Allow freedom to just be.

Sounds wildly reckless, doesn’t it! Yet, I have a hunch it is what might be really, desperately needed. We tend to get so caught up in the work we forget to rest.

It never failed to amaze me how the most ordinary day could be catapulted into the extraordinary in the blink of an eye.–Jodi Picoult

Find joy by fighting the urgent

I heard a wise quote once about fighting against the “tyranny of the urgent”. Except, it all feels urgent in the moment. But remember, urgent can be a slick liar.

Pursuing the art of summer this year has the potential to fill us up with a fresh perspective. Restored and industrious.

It isn’t lazy to engage in the art of summer, to pursue the un-intentional. It is, at its heart, wisdom.

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing- that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life.–Oswald Chambers

Find joy in simplicity

This allowance for simplicity allows us to reconnect with ourselves.

In the quiet, in the ordinary moments, we begin to notice the subtle rhythms of life—the soft sound of windchimes, the chorus of crickets, and the small, often overlooked moments that pass us by in our hurried pace.

We find joy in the ordinary routines

Our ears become attuned to the sounds around us. Our touch lingers on things we quickly pass by. Our vision absorbs vibrancy in a way that a glance does not allow for.

A splash, a swing, a sniff. We are NOT too busy to find time to embrace this gift.

The art of summer can be best mastered in the wandering. Enjoy the journey…

Work harder to appreciate your ordinary day.- Gretchen Rubin

Start Embracing Joy in Your Summer Today!

Take a few minutes each morning to pause and reflect on one simple joy you can savor that day. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, taking a walk in nature, or simply sitting in the sunlight—this small act of mindfulness will help you discover the art of living well this summer.