Slowly, slowly now… easing out of summer freedom and into fall plans and demands always feels a bit sad but necessary. We know that some of our best summer-like weather comes in September, with chilly mornings exploding into gorgeous golden afternoons, but the time has come for us to settle ourselves into some semblance of routine and rhythm that makes school a priority.

Cue all the mixed feelings.

Our kids range in age from elementary to high school, so we’ve got our fingers in many pies. I’m not sure I’m fully ready for what this year holds, but we don’t have much of a choice! Onward and upward, right? Haha!

Not to mention how I feel about how the summer went. Earlier in the season I had a list of summer to-do’s that were going to get ta-done! I shared it with a friend, who checked in with me last week to see if I had stayed on track. How dare she! Haha! Turns out that life happened and at least half of the list is outstanding. Thankfully, all the most important things are crossed off and the rest has been relocated to the General To-Do’s, which is always in progress anyway.

Scrolling the camera roll has me remembering all the reasons why only half the list got done this summer — and what beautiful reasons they are! So many lovely moments and milestones that I wouldn’t have traded for all the cleaned and organized storage rooms in the world.

What a gift! Mingled with the realization that this very well may have been one of our last summers with so much time together, it’s that bittersweetness that comes with the care and raising of children. We’re working ourselves out of a job! And learning to stay tender in the midst of the change and embrace every new season well is a lifelong lesson, isn’t it? 

I’m so thankful for this prayer from Psalm 42:5. I’m saving it for the really tough days. 

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.