Just Do It, Or Not

I love summer! Either as a student, teacher, parent, or grandparent, I have lived by the school calendar my entire life. I love the sunshine, longer days, fun summer activities and the extra time to get things done.

But now it’s time to say goodbye to summer, and this transition to colder temperatures and darker evenings is always hard for me. At some point in early September, I usually get sad about it and sometimes even shed a few tears. Just last week when I was feeling it, I realized what was putting me in a bad mood this year was more than the darker evenings and cooler temperatures. What was hitting me hard was the realization that summer was over, and I never got around to doing all the things I wanted and had intended to do.

My mood and mind went two ways with this.

First, I was mad at myself because that’s what happens when you put things off because it’s too hot. Or that’s what happens when you spend hours in a day scrolling through Pinterest because you convince yourself you need a break and it’s relaxing. Or that’s what happens when something unexpected comes up.

Scripture tells us to make the most of our days.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Do what you need to do today. Proverbs 27:1

It’s too late for me to get back any days of summer 2024, and I am disappointed that I didn’t always make the best use of my time. But in reflection with a new mindset, I think I did okay with actually doing what I needed to do. I mean should I really put myself in a bad mood assessing the past few months based on some missed favorite activities and a list of unfinished projects I wanted to get done?

So then my mind and mood went another direction— a better direction. The direction of being grateful and praising God for who He is and for His numerous gifts—every day and in all seasons. What about all the beautiful days, the lake, the mountains, the sunshine and the sunsets? What about everything I did get to do this past summer with all the people I enjoyed being with? After thinking about that, I felt badly for being sad about a weather change and ridiculous for being upset about not picking berries or painting the fence.

My September lesson learned: Just do it, and if not, be grateful. So I didn’t get around to scanning all our family photos this summer, but I did get to be in the delivery room for my granddaughter’s birth and take photos and video of her mommy and daddy seeing her for the very first time.

My September prayer: With a grateful heart, I thank you, Jesus. Thank you for creating the beautiful seasons, for new life and for the relationships that join us in sunshine and carry us through the storms. I know it is all just a glimpse of the beauty to come forever with you. And may I remember through all the seasons, it is my faith and how I live for you and others that matters the most.

And now it’s time to put on a cozy sweater, get a pumpkin spice latte and trust in what God has planned for the new fall season ahead.