the way summer should be

The last two weekends for me have been a taste of the way summer should be. Busy enough to have fun things going on, but not so busy that you miss the world around you.

My theory is that we are truly in control of how busy we let our lives get. No one can busy it for us - it's a decision we make. So Joel and I have decided recently to not let our schedule control us, but to be in control of it. We've prioritized doing the things we always put off and spending time with important people in our lives.

This weekened was a perfect example of that.

Saturday we met my parents in Milwaukee. The Lullo's always keep themselves busy, and so the best bet for matching busy schedules up was to meet half way. We found this great place in Milwaukee called the Public Market where picked up some great food (and some yummy spices).

This is where it gets interesting.

We knew that we wanted to head towards Lake Michigan - so my dad got directions and we headed out. The man who gave my dad directions said, if you go to the second beach, that's where the circus is. I was reminded that the Great Circus Parade was in town doing a festival (and parade on Sunday - which we missed). As we drove closer to the site, chairs began popping up along the road, then tents, then duct tape marking off people's whole blocks of space. Traffic got very heavy and we began to see the tents. The only way we could figure out how to get any closer to the water, was to park near the festivities, eat along the water, and then join in ourselves.

Lunch was fabulous - my dad even thought to bring beer - which was a nice touch to the day. We then walked around the festival grounds. The parade floats (if that's what you want to call them) were out getting a final wash down before the big event. They were bringing out the horses to hook them up for one last practice. It was a great way to get side-tracked together. Next time we just need to plan better to actually be there for the parade. (Side-note: my parents took us when we were much younger, and I still can picture the elephants walking down the streets of Milwaukee).

Joel and I were able to hang out a little while longer - we found a park bench, talked a little, thought a little, and remembered that "this is the life". We are truly blessed.

We ended the night at Lifest. There are too many things I can say here - but my soap box may not be appreciated by all. Let's just say Joel and I walked many circles around that place trying to avoid the people wearing t-shirts that said "Free hugs" and the cheesy Christian lingo that I worked to avoid a long time ago. I just want to say that I think God is about so much more than we give Him room for. I think the best thing I heard all night was from one of two musicians I cared to see. His name is Derek Webb and though I can't quote him, he said something to the effect that in the "Christian culture", especially in Christian art, we write music or paint or sculpt about the 2% of "spiritual stuff" out there, and miss the fact that God is God of all things in life - sex, politics, nature, love - everything. And if he is God over everything, why do we only talk about the 2% that we deem as spiritual? Phew - I better stop not, or you might never come back to read more....

All in all - after a weekend like this, I felt like I could breath again. We spent Sunday around the house - and I even got a chance to read for several hours.

It felt great.