Being Spread Thin is Not Sexy: What I Learned This Summer

School is back in session. The cop car sitting outside the local high school reminds me of this, enforcing the 30 mph speed limit in a nice stretch of road that could easily be a 50 mph section.

Driving past the school this morning, I watched the long line of cars waiting to turn into the school. Nervous high school students waiting to start their year, dreading and anticipating it just the same.

I thought about the “What I Did This Summer” reports. What would those teenagers be saying? And then I remembered the ridiculous lists of life lessons learned the fun way that I used to put up on my Facebook notes. Lessons such as:

There are times and places to break rules. The Smithsonian is not one of those places.

Forgiveness and grace should be given out like candy at Halloween.

If someone tells you that you remind them of their ex-wife, that is bad. However, if they tell you that you remind them of BOTH their ex-wives, this is a good sign as they obviously like, and have a weakness for, your type. It is not wrong to take note of this as it may lead to good things for you. Good things like free moped rentals at the beach.

Such gems, right? Each of them with a rich story behind them. A memory that won’t soon be forgotten. Especially the one about the Smithsonian!

So here’s a list of things I learned this summer. Some of you were in on the escapades but there are a few lessons that had to be learned solo. Enjoy.

• Take the time to make memories with people. Even if they will never remember them. Gramps will never remember me hanging out with him and an alpaca in the memory care unit but I always will. Don’t miss out on memories.
• Do something spontaneous, even if you have to plan it, once a week. Cross things off your old/boring/30 list as often as possible.
• It is far more blessed to give than receive. And the irony is, in giving, you’ll end up receiving.
• Being spread thin is not sexy. It sounds fun to run around, jamming appointments and friends in, but it’s not. Quality over quantity. And get plenty of sleep.
• Sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend is treat them to a mani/pedi at the local spa. The same goes for shopping.
• Everyone is hurting. Realize that and act in lovingkindness.
• Always use spray paint in a well ventilated area. Not your living room. You will regret it.
• Take roadtrips with friends just to explore something new and different. Novelty is okay to delight in.
• Leverage social media. You’ll meet a ton of interesting people. Just don’t get too obsessed with your Klout Score. You’ll become that person otherwise.
• Encourage masculinity in your guy friends. You’ll be helping more people out than yourself.
• Stay in the Word. Pick a passage to go deep in. You can’t expect God to do all the work in your relationship with Him. Make it a priority and everything else will fall into place.
• Don’t wait for your friends to jump. Be the first one to jump off the bridge. Set the bar high and do it in style.
• Be open to new friendships. Everyone craves community.
• Stay classy and laugh at yourself. Even when no one else is laughing. You’ll be inviting them to join in.
• Don’t wear white shorts on the water. Ever. Let your practical side win out.
• The best way to get acrylic paint off acrylic nails is the orange goo used to clean grease off your hands after working on your car.
• Fake nails are for women with boyfriends or husbands. They might look pretty but they render you helpless and they make it hard to type/text. You know, the important things in life.
• Prayer is a game changer. Don’t lie to yourself or God. Be real and watch to see how your heart changes.
• Movies by moonlight is one of the best ideas for a party. Even if you do have scorpions and tarantulas wandering around the yard.
• It’s okay to scream when you see a tarantula. It’s part of being a girl.
• Make sure you have medical insurance before you go around picking up animals that might have rabies.
• Be the friend you want to have.