The changing of seasons

There is something I love about sitting down at my computer to write to you.  Every week I open my laptop with you in mind, hoping that whenever you have the opportunity to check in with us, you will find rest and encouragement.  We care about you, we pray for you and we are thankful that you take the time to read up on what we've been up to and how we're doing.

Having a platform like this one to share my experiences with you makes me feel known, cared for and connected.  On my best days I'm excited about the new things I'm learning and the progress I've made on acclimating to life in the South.   On my worst days, I am humbled and challenged to invite God into my inadequacies and expectantly wait for Him to change me.  It's because of the uncertainty in my own life that I've come to deeply appreciate how constant God is.  Even when my days are filled with change, God never changes.   With the start of a new school year and the changing of seasons, I know that many of you are finding yourself racing to stay on top of a vast array of changes in your routines.  I am praying that as you navigate the newness of each day, you will have opportunity to ground yourself in the unchanging character of God.

Even though the transition from summer to fall often ushers in new routines and responsibilities for many of us, I am finding myself giddy over the start of the season.  As I previously shared, this is the first time in seven years that I haven't taught elementary school.  And while I have found myself thinking and reflecting about that often, I have also found myself thinking about the fresh start fall brings for me.

We have almost made it through our first Texas summer and I feel like I finally have the chance to settle into life here, make some friends and get comfortable.  We learned yesterday that it will be in the 90's here at least through the end of September, which is still hot in my book.  However, even though I won't be packing up my shorts or taking Nicole on walks anytime in the near future, I am celebrating the fact that it isn't in the 100's anymore.  It was uncomfortably hot when we moved here in the middle of May and native Texans everywhere made a point of letting us know that it wasn't even hot yet.  Nothing could have been more discouraging to me at the time, but now that we've said goodbye to August and turned our calendars to September, I feel hopeful that we're heading towards more comfortable weather for the first time since we moved.

With cooler weather comes more opportunities to connect with our neighbors, not only because fall programs are just getting off the ground, but also because people are finally willing to venture outside of their air conditioned houses.   Kids can finally be seen playing at the park and more people can be found at the grocery store in the middle of the day.   I took advantage of morning temperatures being in the mid-80's the other day and took Nicole to check out a new park in our community.   We had a great time and I'm already looking forward to playing there with her all winter long.

Thanks for journeying with us through life's many seasons!

With love,
Erica