August Goals

God in His own right hand doth take each day—
Each sun-filled day—each rare and radiant night.
And drop it softly on the earth and say:
“Touch earth with heaven’s own beauty and delight.”
– “August” by Jean Blewett

Thank you for your kind words on my last post here and here. I am grateful for your encouragement and the gift of sharing our lives with each other—the changes, challenges, and joys!

July was full and abundant, like the garden right now. And, like the garden, there were gifts (our first carrots of the season, tomatoes, and blooming sunflowers!)—and a few weeds to pull and garden pests that tried to creep in. My proverbial garden foes were a sense of overwhelm and knowing the year mark was just ahead.

You see, I knew August was coming.
I’ve been thinking about it for 11 months since my dad died on a brilliant afternoon last August.
I’ve recounted where I was the year prior as each month and day has passed—where he was and what we were feeling and experiencing together. What did he say to me? Did he smile as I sang to him? What did it feel like to hold his hand in the hospital bed? Was he fading then? Was he warm? Was he in pain? I remember some details and some I cling to as they begin to fade. All these reflections have been steeping in my soul, like a cup of tea, all waiting for me drink deep of their gifts in late August. I don’t know what it will be like on that exact day and time. August 28th at 3:30 is ever-etched in my mind. I don’t know how I’ll feel or what I’ll do, but I know that I’ll enter a new season on the anniversary of his homecoming.

I didn’t manufacture this expectation. I didn’t plan to have a pounding desire to remember, reflect, and release. It is, I believe, in us because grief can’t stay in us. It must, instead, move through us—and it changes us as it does. It never leaves for good; it just changes. The Jewish mourning traditions, which center around the first year after a loved one’s death, have comforted me this year and reminded me to let this time have its space. Grief shows up unexpectedly and takes hold of you till you relent and roll out the welcome mat. This year has been a time of personal transformation. It has been a time of new life coming out of grief—like a seed in the dark soil losing its outer shell to grow, it has been a merciful gift birthed from a refining season. I didn’t think I’d be smiling on the other side, but the joy runs deeper now. Sorrow and love flow mingled down, indeed. I am grateful.

More to come at the end of August as I have time to celebrate Dad’s life and listen to the Lord on this anniversary. For now, here is a recap of July. It was a month of memory-making and squeezing the last bit of summer fun in before we start homeschool this week.

A few highlights from July:

—Finishing many of our home repairs and renovations. The bigger projects are done; praise the Lord. No more flooding in our house, Lord willing, and we love our refreshed spaces. I hope to get you some before and after photos in early September.
—Josh’s birthday party! His nickname has always been “Bro,” so this year, we had a “Bro-BQ” with hot dogs, hamburgers, and lots of water fun in the heat. His birthday falls right before school starts, and it’s always a big friend reunion before the year starts. Such a joy to celebrate our sweet guy!
—Going to the Biltmore after five-ish years (when the younger two were still in the double stroller!). The kids listened to the history audio while we toured and it was fun to watch their eyes widen as they learned about the remarkable architecture, gardens, and library. We also did the Italian Renaissance Art Alive exhibit. This was especially good to get a preview of some of the artists we’ll be studying in the year ahead!
—Homeschool planning. This yearly pursuit took over my July. Stacks and stacks of books, oh my! It’s Christmas in July around here.
—My weight training. I am gaining muscle, and my joints are feeling better every day. This month’s unofficial goal is to write a health update on the blog.
—Making homeschool mom friends. I didn’t have much time to invest in this community when I was CEO-ing, and this has been a JOY to grow deeper roots.
—Doing “The 36 Questions that Lead to Love” with Ari in the mountains. They “worked,” and we felt much closer after going through them – highly recommend!
—The garden. A big highlight from the month has been enjoying the zinnias, sleeping bees, and garden treasures. It has been magical!

You know all those books you’ve always wanted to read? You should go READ them. <- on repeat to myself this month as I worked to set a new habit. It worked! A la Atomic Habits, I declared that I am the kind of person who reads many great books and puts them into practice. IYKYK. Affiliate links are below – enjoy!

What I read or listened to:

—Atomic Habits – Yes, I am the last person to read this, and yes, I (of course) enjoyed what he teaches. Very in line with my first half of life’s work and almost identical to what we taught at the Making Things Happen Conference for ten years (we were onto something back then!). An excellent resource.
—The Whole-Brained Child – It took me maybe five years to get through this book. I digested it bit by bit and finally buckled down to give it a full and focused read this month. No surprise, it was insightful and timely for our ages and stages.
—Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy – Our third (?) time through with Cherry Jones’s narration, and it never ceases to make me feel joy and wonder. Farmer Boy, in particular, made me cry this time in the last chapter; it was so moving.
—Habits of the Household – Five stars, two thumbs up, and a few cartwheels thrown in for good measure. This was my favorite read of the year so far, so much so that I cannot pick just one favorite part. Read Em’s review for a few highlights we share!
—For my yearly refresher on homeschool philosophy, l feasted on a buffet of episodes from the Simply Charlotte Mason podcast.
—“We Need Secret Gardens” – An article Emily sent me shares my heart for why we are Charlotte Mason homeschoolers. Such a beautiful read!

In progress:
—Sacred Rhythms – My sense of overwhelm this last month came from moving too fast and doing too much alongside homeschool planning and mounting grief. This has long been on my TBR list, and it has been a balm for my hurried soul.
—Falling Upward – I resisted reading this, and while I don’t agree with some of his core theology, this is mostly a poignant study on mid-life. It has enlivened me in this second-half journey.
—Parenting by Paul David Tripp – Another book I’ve wanted to read. I’ve already been punched in the gut several times by his words.

Also in progress:
—I made steps forward or completed all my July goals except painting. It took longer than expected to clear a space in my office for this, and now it has been overtaken by stacks of homeschool books for the upcoming year. I will do it this month to honor Dad, who always wanted me to be a painter! 🙂

My August goals were fueled by the Mid-Year Refresh in the PowerSheets. The process never fails to clarify my focus and make me want to take action—no need for forced motivation. My goals matter to me in the big picture, so I want to take action. I’m grateful for another month to tackle what God has given me to do. This month we’re headed to Iceland and starting school!

What are you focusing on in August? Do we share any goals? I’d love to hear!