As Summer Winds Down

Labor Day is coming, summer is beginning to wind down, and there is just a hint that another season is on its way.

I've always enjoyed the changing of the seasons. Maybe it's because they remind us that life keeps moving. No matter how busy we get or how much we try to hold on to a particular moment, the calendar keeps turning.

This summer has certainly been one to remember.

There have been motorcycle rides, time with family and friends, beautiful days, rainy rides home, good health, and the opportunity to continue doing many of the things I enjoy.

And, of course, there has been the release of Jonah: From Rebellion to Redemption—A Life Redirected by God.

After all the writing, editing, waiting, and praying, the book is now out there doing what I hoped it might do—reaching people.

I continue to receive kind messages and comments from readers, and I am deeply grateful for every one of them. Hearing that something in my story has encouraged someone else is a blessing I don't take lightly.

But lately I've been thinking less about what has happened and more about the season ahead.

Labor Day is traditionally a time when we recognize work—the jobs we do, the careers we've built, and the people whose labor has helped build our communities and our country.

At this stage of my life, the word work means something a little different to me.

I'm thankful that God still gives me work to do.

Not necessarily the kind that comes with a title, an office, or a paycheck.

There is the work of encouraging someone.

The work of serving others.

The work of sharing our faith.

The work of being present for people who need us.

And sometimes there is simply the work of becoming the person God has been patiently shaping us to become.

I've learned that God's work in us doesn't stop when we reach a certain age.

I'm living proof of that.

There were seasons in my life when I was running as fast as I could in the wrong direction. There were seasons of consequences. There were seasons of rebuilding.

And now I find myself in a season of gratitude and purpose.

I don't know exactly what this fall will bring.

There may be opportunities to talk about the book and share my story. There will be ministry, friendships, family, church, probably a few more rides on the Harley, and whatever else the Lord puts in front of me.

And that's enough.

I've spent enough of my life trying to control what came next.

These days, I'm learning to enjoy where God has me today and trust Him with tomorrow.

As summer winds down, I am reminded once again that every season has its purpose.

Some seasons teach us.

Some test us.

Some humble us.

And some give us the opportunity to look around and simply say:

Thank You, Lord.

The blessings are still abounding.

And I'm looking forward to seeing what He has planned for the season ahead.