When the weather shifts I find a new appreciation for the coming season. But, I also lament the ending of the season I’ve been enjoying. It’s that sort of limbo that makes you not like the cold start to an early fall day but, in that chill, finding your morning coffee to be cozy and special.

Season of life are not so predictable. Last year I loved my new home and property. Adam loved his new garage/barn/man cave. We had big plans for all of it. We didn’t WANT to deal with a situation that would take away so many of our ideas, possessions and our security. But a fire happened anyway.

This past weekend we were finally able to “finished” things with the barn. We salvaged what we could (not much) and after more dealings with insurance, are ready for it to be demolished later this week. I’m so happy the neighborhood will no longer be looking at that charred eyesore!

But what a journey! We were SO BLESSED that our home was unaffected but it was still a huge setback for us. Especially for my husband who lost almost all his business equipment and many, many of his favorite things.

And yet we can appreciate this season of life. Adam and I are lucky to “like” each other as much as we love each other and our journey has been better for it. We have a greater appreciation for what we do have and are especially grateful, knowing that we have the health and spiritual strength to start again.

In this season I grew to have another level of respect for my husband who choose to adopt a positive attitude and keep his business going even though he had to hustle harder than ever. I saw his struggles and it was inspiring especially as this all happened during a season of Covid. Many would give up but he didn’t.

We all have challenges that change us. God sometimes makes us wait longer than we wish but if we keep the faith - a wonderful new season of opportunity will begin to take it’s place.

Sara Paper