We are already at the middle of September, but after a few days away from my normal routine, I feel like I have had a fresh start and am embracing this new season with purpose.
As an empty nester, I am not buying school supplies and new sneakers, and part of me still misses that because my daughter and I just love stationery supplies! Markers and pens and fresh new notebooks bring me joy. But it is time to pull out cozy sweaters and fall throw pillows and enjoy pumpkin spice everything!
2026 has brought more than it’s fair share of challenges for our house, and maybe yours as well. But I have seen God’s faithfulness and provision in big and little ways as I have made it my prayer and habit to look for God at work in my day-to-day life. I am reminded of a verse from an old hymn.
If you have had challenges and setbacks and are starting to feel like you just want to get 2026 over with, remember we still have the fourth quarter of the year to take some steps forward towards this year’s goals and to start, or reboot, some positive habits. Let’s not wish the autumn away, but use it as a fresh start for success.
Think of a goal or habit you want to achieve. What small step could you take this week? If wrangling your finances into submission is a goal, use some of those great fall drink hacks on IG to make your fall favourites at home without the expense – and you can save some calories too! If you want to declutter your home – tackle one drawer this week, or as you change over your wardrobe from summer to fall, donate or toss items that don’t fit or are worn out – don’t hang them up to make a decision later.
I want to get out of a bit of a workout rut, so I will take two mornings a week to walk in my neighbourhood instead of going to the gym. Breathing in the crisp morning air, listening to birds singing will do me good before work, and I will still get those steps in. Soon enough, it will be colder than I like for outdoor walking!
I am also taking more time to attack my ‘to be read’ pile of books and keeping the screens off. I am passing along the finished books to friends or donating them to free libraries and thrift stores, so they don’t continue to take up valuable real estate in my home. That is habit stacking, also helping with my downsizing goal.
God has purpose for us in every season of our lives, and created these unique seasons for our enjoyment and to inspire us to delight in Him.
As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold an heat, summer and winter, day and night. Genesis 8:22 NLT
Let me encourage you to focus on one goal or new habit to work on this fall. Think of a small step you can do this week, and a larger step you can complete in 30 days. Let me know in the comments so I can pray for you and cheer you on!
Seasons with Grace 