Where did the summer go?

The sun is shining outside but it's distinctly cooler - autumn is on its way if not here. Which is a shame cos I love summer, I love sunshine, it lifts my soul. Thinking about it its sunshine more than heat, so a cold crisp day with lovely sunshine will do the same thing, its just much rarer (although thinking about this summers weather maybe not!)

 

But I didn't start this post intending to talk about the weather.

 

It's been a good summer.....

 

PJ being home has been lovely, I'm very aware as good friends take their offspring to Uni how it felt this time last year, and how lovely it is to have taken him back yesterday, knowing he's happy, healthy, enjoying Uni, his course, CU, life. I know I'll see him soon, and can talk to him, and that our relationship is just as strong, even though he lives somewhere else a lot of the time. I think its one of the irrational thoughts in a mother's mind, when one of your children has a significant life change - will I lose them? But I've always held onto the idea of let them go, and they will come back, idea, I hope I'd never hold one of them back....... but its lovely to know that family is important to them, even as it changes subtly.

 

Hannah only had about 4 weeks back in Abingdon, and wasn't able to do New Wine apart from the last day and a half, but did make Holiday Club which was lovely. I sometimes worry that Hannah doesn't get a chance to get a word in edgewise in my noisy family, but actually she does fine. Hannah I hope you know how very grateful I am that you're in our lives :)

 

Of course the huge event of the summer was Sarah's graduation. As most of you will know Sarah had some challenges on the way, as often happens, but she faced them, and thrived. A fantastic 2:1 Ba Hons and QSW (Qualified Social Worker). She has 2-3 jobs, working in a nursery, working for a Social Care Agency, and volunteering with the kids work at Church. This isn't forever, its while she works out what God wants her to do next. But it means she is earning, which is a huge relief to us all. Its a tricky transition, no longer a student but a working woman - but I know she'll make it.

 

And Paul is on his way to Heathrow as I type, off to Seattle for just over 3 weeks, including 3 1/2 weekends. Its a big course that Microsoft do. Now this is going to be challenging for us all, not least because when he last did this, just over 2 years ago, his dad was dying.......

 

But work is good, I'm about to start the next bit of my masters, the Nurse prescibing course, which everyone tells me is extremely tough....

 

Its so nice to be able to blog about a life full of family and friends, and work, and holidays. I'm very grateful for the balance and variety I have. I'm not complacent, I'm seeking my Lord, trying to know what's on His heart for me, and for me to be and do for Him, but mostly wanting to be closer to Him. Life is a journey that doesn't end of this earth, and I guess the changing seasons are a good reminder of that, so I'll enjoy the beautiful colours in the trees, and hope for crisp, frosty mornings, and not complain (too much!) about the dull, damp days.