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36: Kitchen Table Watercolors - When Work Meets Play
Remember that magical feeling when summer break begins? The promise of adventure, quality time, and freedom from schedules? I certainly did when my daughter finished kindergarten during our time in Japan. We started with pedicures and garden walks, but soon reality hit—I still had work to accomplish while wanting to be fully present with her.
This familiar parenting tension led me to discover something beautiful about balance. Rather than seeing work and play as opposing forces, I found they could coexist in harmony. When I invited my daughter to join me at the kitchen table—explaining how my work served others—she began creating watercolor paintings for friends while I typed emails. Side by side, we worked for an hour before taking breaks to play or share a snack. These parallel activities, punctuated by focused connection, created a rhythm that honored both responsibilities and relationships.
The biblical foundation for this balance comes from God's own example. Genesis shows us that God both worked diligently and rested intentionally. By blocking time for productivity and playfulness—and being transparent with our children about these rhythms—we teach them valuable life lessons. Summer provides unique opportunities to blend work and play through family projects or even involving older children as "summer interns" in appropriate ways. When the inevitable feelings of being unproductive or overwhelmed arise, we can lean into God's grace, remembering that His "power is made perfect in weakness." Perhaps the most important realization is that ten focused minutes of engagement with your child can go remarkably far for both of you. Whether in work mode or play mode, being fully present in that moment creates the meaningful connection we're all seeking.
What would change this summer if you viewed both work and play as opportunities to honor God with excellence? How might you invite your children into this sacred dance of summer rhythms?
Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!
Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik
If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!
Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!
Red Aspen - Skip the salon appointment and shop here for hands that are hardworking AND elegant.
Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again.
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By LeanneRemember that magical feeling when summer break begins? The promise of adventure, quality time, and freedom from schedules? I certainly did when my daughter finished kindergarten during our time in Japan. We started with pedicures and garden walks, but soon reality hit—I still had work to accomplish while wanting to be fully present with her.
This familiar parenting tension led me to discover something beautiful about balance. Rather than seeing work and play as opposing forces, I found they could coexist in harmony. When I invited my daughter to join me at the kitchen table—explaining how my work served others—she began creating watercolor paintings for friends while I typed emails. Side by side, we worked for an hour before taking breaks to play or share a snack. These parallel activities, punctuated by focused connection, created a rhythm that honored both responsibilities and relationships.
The biblical foundation for this balance comes from God's own example. Genesis shows us that God both worked diligently and rested intentionally. By blocking time for productivity and playfulness—and being transparent with our children about these rhythms—we teach them valuable life lessons. Summer provides unique opportunities to blend work and play through family projects or even involving older children as "summer interns" in appropriate ways. When the inevitable feelings of being unproductive or overwhelmed arise, we can lean into God's grace, remembering that His "power is made perfect in weakness." Perhaps the most important realization is that ten focused minutes of engagement with your child can go remarkably far for both of you. Whether in work mode or play mode, being fully present in that moment creates the meaningful connection we're all seeking.
What would change this summer if you viewed both work and play as opportunities to honor God with excellence? How might you invite your children into this sacred dance of summer rhythms?
Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!
Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik
If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!
Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!
Red Aspen - Skip the salon appointment and shop here for hands that are hardworking AND elegant.
Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again.