SUMMER REFLECTIONS by Nicole Byrum

Although it’s still early in August as I write this article, it feels as though the summer is winding down in a hurry. In exactly ten days from now, our schedules will look dramatically different as both my husband (who is a high school teacher) and our two kids (soon to be 7th and 5th graders) will begin the 2021-2022 school year. It hardly seems possible! After all, wasn’t Memorial Day just a week or two ago?

Although I’m excited to settle back into a regular routine and welcome the telltale signs of fall, I just wanted to take a moment to process the last 12 weeks of summer. It has been a season full of joy, frustration, relaxation, hard lessons, and everything in between. But through it all, one constant remained: the omnipresence of our great God.

The summer began with a hot pace of practices and games/meets/matches relating to baseball, swim team, and golf. For me, one of the great joys of parenting is watching my son and daughter engage in their various activities. I love cheering them on as they use their gifts and talents! But as most parents also know, such activities are breeding grounds for teachable moments. This summer was no exception, as it provided several opportunities to discuss sportsmanship, leadership, and attitude. To be sure, there were a few golf matches spent praying for wisdom and discernment about the best approach to take with my child! Yet, without fail, God was with me in those moments. Wherever I was–whether baseball bleachers, poolside, or golf course–He was with me providing comfort, direction, and encouragement.

The summer progressed into church camps and time with family. During their various weeks at camp, much of my time was characterized by mindful prayer for their spiritual growth (a practice to which I intend to routinely devote more time). I am so thankful for the opportunities my children had to grow in their knowledge of our Savior, and I pray this will continue for the rest of their lives. Even when we were separated by many miles, I loved that God was just as present with them in Michigan and Indiana as He was with me in Ohio.

Our summer concluded with a wonderful family vacation covering 3,000 plus miles through the Northeastern part of the United States. We saw gorgeous waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park in New York, the gently rolling green hills of Vermont, the summit of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, the beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine, and the birthplace of our nation in Boston, Massachusetts. The ocean waters, rocks of varying shapes and sizes, mountains, blue skies, and starry nights all declared His glory. As we traveled, I couldn’t help but praise God for His wondrous creation. And to think, He heard my prayers of praise throughout all the miles we covered! He was with me in our tent in Maine just as much as He was with me walking the historic streets of this great nation.

As we head into the next season, I take great comfort in knowing He will continue to be with us without fail; for whether in the classroom with my husband and kids, in the counseling office as I meet with my clients, or as I sit at my computer to write, He will be there. I praise and thank Him that nothing can separate us from His presence.

Nicole Byrum

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships. Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.