By Kristi Steidley 

I love this time of year. The weather, the golden light, the evening sunsets—it all fills me with peace. I get excited watching my garden grow and knowing harvest season is here. There’s something so deeply satisfying about enjoying a meal made with food I grew myself. I’m constantly amazed at what can spring up from a tiny seed.

Truthfully, I love every season. I’m not sure I could pick a favorite. But I do love the abundance this time of year brings—the gathering, the fullness, the gratitude.

Nature is such a wise teacher. Each season serves a purpose. Some are obvious. Others… not so much. Life feels like that sometimes too. There are moments we just don’t understand. But later, when we look back, we can often see the lessons, the growth, the quiet ways God was working.

Right now, I’m in a bit of an in-between season. I work at a public school as a paraprofessional, and summer is my time to rest. It’s a slower rhythm—a chance to enjoy my family, work on home projects, and just be for a while. I’ve really loved having this time.

But next week, the new school year begins—and with it, our “busy season.” The kids will be back in school and involved in sports. I’ll return to work and start college classes. Our relaxed schedule is about to become tightly packed.

If I’m being honest, it’s a little overwhelming to think about. I sometimes catch myself wondering how I’ll manage it all. But then I remember: I’ll do it the best way I know how—with God’s help.

I’ve had seasons where I tried to do it all on my own—where I didn’t trust God or let Him help me. And I’ve learned, through experience, that life goes better when I choose to follow Christ. He doesn’t always make it easy, but He always makes it possible.

As I step into this new season—not just of school and schedules, but of life—I feel something shifting. I sense that I’m being called to step up and help others in a deeper way, to mentor, to support, to serve. There’s a gentle tug on my heart… and I’m listening.

Just like you can feel the chill begin to creep into autumn evenings, I can feel the warmth of purpose rising in my chest. It’s time. And even though I don’t know exactly what’s ahead, I know Who will be with me.

There will be stormy days—because there always are. I don’t know how long they’ll last or how strong they’ll be. But I have faith that the sun will rise again each morning. It always does.

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