Bumping into an acquaintance at K-mart led to the generic question, “So, how was your summer?” The honesty of my reply surprised me, “it’s been really good!”
So, what has made this summer good?
You’ve helped! Since this website launched in early summer, the number of you who have looked through these pages has exceeded my expectations. Several of you have shared through comments, emails, and conversations that you’ve been encouraged as you’ve read. Thank you for being a part of my summer!
Time with others helps make any season good. I value the memories of the Saturday spent with friends here on my farm, band practice in a friend’s garage, the “Worship under the Stars” event, the unplanned Fourth of July evening, dog sitting, cups of coffee and conversation, and miscellaneous other adventures. (Peggy, I still say that your husband’s garage is way cool!)
This summer was my first experience playing Bocce and Hill-Billy golf. (Bocce is growing on me. Hill-Billy golf on the other hand; definitely fun from the first swing!)
This summer’s been a season of opportunities and challenges.
There’s been opportunities to help others: a family moving, a friend working on his property. Some opportunities have blown up my comfort zone. (Using a jack hammer and shooting a pistol and a rifle, to name a few.) Being forced to confront those fears of not being good enough, strong enough, man enough, has been good.
The tough days were especially crucial to my having a good summer. Tough times lead to the courage to make equally tough and necessary decisions. When I questioned whether or not I’d have courage to face one more day, God reminded me that He’s committed to completing the good work that He has started in me. (Philippians 1:6) Those challenges opened doors to deepening my trust in God and my relationship with those He has placed around me.
As seasons change, the questions, fears and uncertainties about the season ahead try to cloud the joy of this past season. But I’m not “going there”.
(Photo Credit)
This summer has reminded me of God’s faithfulness.
God has been faithful to continue His good work. As summer gives way to fall and as the seasons of my life continue, the same God who has blessed and led in the past season will continue to guide in the season ahead. As a friend recently reminded me, God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3: 22-23)
I’m trusting Him as I look ahead to my next steps, wherever they lead. I hope you have that same hope for your journey as well!
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Psalms 37: 23-24 NIV)
I have been blessed by reading your posts. Keep them coming! You have a real talent for writing.
Thank you Marilyn! I’m glad the posts have been a blessing. Thank you for reading!
Have been enjoying your writing and insights this summer, so thank you! Your writing usually gives me “food for thought” and sends me to my Bible which is a very good thing! 🙂 Your mention of Bocci Ball brings back great memories. One of my buddies from my UF days that played on our softball team taught me to play and it was one of our “must do” things at our softball parties. Great memories! Sounds like the Lord has really been getting you out of your box this summer. Good for you! Keep growing and walking with Him Mark. (and please keep sharing)
Bon
Thank you Bonnie.
This summer has been amazing. (Though being schooled by your team in hill-billy golf may have been less-than-amazing! 😉 ) I’m looking forward to seeing what this new season brings.