A Look at the Small Things: Late Summer 2026

Whether I admit it or not, summer is winding down.  In the air and in my spirit.  I can feel the change coming.  I was out of town last week (thanks to everyone who still stopped here for a visit) and returned Saturday evening.  After a bite to eat, Hubby and I enjoyed the late evening on the porch.  It was a gorgeous evening.  No humidity.  No bugs and a steady, lovely breeze.  Later that night, there was a huge thunderstorm but we certainly enjoyed the changing weather fronts before the storm arrived.  Between the weather and just a full week of relaxing, connecting, and simply recharging, I could feel a quiet readiness for the upcoming change.  I know, hard for a summer lovin’ girl to confess, but ’tis true.  No, I’m not rushing it but I am ready:)

With summer slipping away, today’s post is a short look at some of the small things from the sun-drenched (and incredibly hot) past few months. Things I might otherwise overlook, or miss, and that I want to remember.

Something I accomplished.  It as been exactly three years (this summer) that I finished my chemo treatments.  I had some continuning immunotherapy but the chemo was finished.  Some days, it is hard to believe that was three years ago.  I started right away trying to “regain my normal” during those summer months of ’23 and there have been ups and downs.  But, these days, I feel really good.  I have my strength and sincerely enjoy restored health.  If I’m honest, I can easily take my good health for granted.  It is good to occassionally look back.  To remember and rehearse where the Lord has brought us.  And I can see how far He has carried me since the summer of 2023. 

I did have surgery earlier this summer for kidney stones that were a result of said chemo.  The weeks following that surgery were a challenge but, once again, my health has been restored.  God has been very good to me.  Rather than “something I accomplished,” this section should be titled “what He has done for me” but a section like that would quickly get very long.  Suffice it to say, summers do wonder for me mentally.  And physically!

A few, random, things I’ve been reminded of.  Connecting with friends is not only a gift but is essential.  For me and for my heart:)  I try to text often and chat over the phone as well.  However, connecting in person really refuels me.  This summer, I have really enjoyed lunch dates, coffee dates, afternoons full of crocheting and chatting.  There was Bingo night earlier (in July) and a fun tea room visit earlier in August.  Of course, I was able to go out of town last week for a visit with my friend.  Whether short and sweet or long and extra chatty.  Whether around the kitchen table or in the backyard pool:), these times with friends really make a difference.  I am grateful for each and every one.

I have also been reminded that I can plug away and keep trying new things.  Like crochet.  Several months back, I threw in the towel.  Retired my crochet hook.  Only to have my friends urge me on – and challenge me.  Thank goodness.  I may always crochet at a beginner level but I really enjoy working with my hands.  And joining the crochet group:)

I’ve spent this summer looking for ways to begin volunteering again.  It has been too long since I last volunteered.  I did not realize how much I would miss it.  I did join one committee here in my neighborhood.  That is going ok.  It is helpful but I would not say it is exactly rewarding but I will keep with it.  However, I do think I may have found a place, and a way, to start doing some more in person and personal volunteering again soon.  That has been exciting.  I have been reminded that there are always ways to use our gifts and talents.  No matter what season of life we might be in.

And, finally, I was reminded that summer is not the time (or excuse) to get “lazy” with Bible study. My weekly study group takes a break in the summer.  Sometimes, my brain thinks it wants a break in the summer.  But I started a home Bible study with two friends from church this summer.  It has been such a valuable use of time.  We are almost done reading, digging in and then sharing together from the book of I Kings.  No study guide or materials…other than our Bibles.  No format.  Just friends sharing what we learned while reading.  I have so enjoyed this.

Something that made an impact.  The (blazing hot) Saturday we spent downtown passing out scriptures and literature made an enormous impact on me.  Did I mention it was blazing hot?  With a heat index well over 100 degrees.  By the time we walked from the metro to the front of the capitol building, my attitude had melted as fast as my deodorant.  Not pretty.  I was ready to leave within minutes.  My husband, on the other hand, was all in.  He was genuinely happy to have this opportunity and was making the most of it.  The heat almost took him out but he waited out, found some shade and kept right at it.  I was humbled.

I will also say that I went into that day with plenty of pre-conceived ideas and opinions.  I have plenty (plenty!) of opinions about DC, about politics and politicians and, yes, about political parties.  Sigh.  Nothing I imagined about that day was the reality of that day.  Again, I was humbled.  And impacted.  I hope that impact stays with me.  I hope there will be another opportunity next year.  And that the temperatures will, at least, be in the double digits.

Well, that wraps up this post.  Let me know something you appreciate.  Or something that has impacted you over the summer.  Or, just let me know…are your ready for the change of seasons?? And, here’s to a great week ahead!  Thanks for stopping by –