For Katie Allen Berlandi, the end of summer also signals a bit of anxiety around the transtion to fall. But here is how her faith stands her in good stead.
“The summer has gone by so fast!” How often do we hear that or find ourselves saying that? The ordering of school supplies, the back-to-school shopping and the every-so-often hint of autumn in the air help to remind us of the transitions ahead.
This time of year fills me with great anticipation for what the new year—new school year—has in store for our children and our family. I look forward to the children’s growth and learning, as well as the unknowns—challenges, new friendships, opportunities.
I must admit that I also have a little bit of angst that summer will soon be over—the more relaxed routine coming to an end, the long days of light waning, the spontaneous adventures and the visits with friends and family wrapping up. I have learned to acknowledge these longings, and the angst within, as a part of this time of year, just as I have learned to acknowledge the blessings of the summer gone by and the goodness that will come from a new year of school.
I’ve come to believe this time of year is one to grab hold of for all of its elements of anticipation and even for those feelings of angst, for what trumps anxiety is having faith that all will be well, no matter what unfolds.
I will savor these last weeks of August and trust that the tempo, joys and accomplishments of the summer will buoy us as we make the transition to fall. And I let faith play a large part in the learning and growth, challenges and opportunities that this new season has in store.
