This is our fifth summer with a seasonal camper, and it has only solidified my love for this season. Our camping life began the summer after the pandemic, which left a significant impact on our family. As an introvert, I didn't expect the social isolation to affect me as much as it did, but I found myself missing the regular interactions with others. To regain our sanity, we jumped at the opportunity to get a seasonal camper.
My husband loves the outdoors but prefers to have modern amenities at the end of the day. With a three-year-old at the time, I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of cramped showers either. So, we purchased a park model, which is more like a tiny home, complete with a bathtub and a real toilet.
Over the years, I have grown to appreciate the simplicity of life at the camper. I enjoy having fewer things to manage and organize. We bring fewer outfits and often rewear clothes, even giving my running clothes a quick wash in the shower. Our meals are simpler too—lunches are grab-and-go sandwiches or leftovers, and dinners often feature hamburgers, brats, tacos, pizza, and a few other options for variety.
One of the great benefits of camping life is avoiding the extra obligations of summer. We spend time together as a family without the constant running around. We've also met and gotten to know interesting people from all over the country.
Reflecting on Priorities
Matthew 6:19–21 says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The simple summer life of camping helps me feel less stressed. Compared to the school year, where my house is full of things to manage and our schedule is packed with obligations, there is no competition. This makes me reflect on my priorities at home. Am I storing up treasures in heaven or on earth? These earthly treasures are stressful. As summer reaches its halfway mark, I am considering how to extend this simplicity throughout the year. My first step will be to declutter my clothes—I can certainly live with less.
Join the Challenge
I challenge you to join me in simplifying your life. Start small: maybe it's decluttering your closet, simplifying your meals, or reducing your schedule's commitments. Reflect on what truly matters and let go of the rest. Let's store up treasures in heaven together and live a less stressed, more fulfilling life.
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