Mr. Bob and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary this year, a few weeks after the actual date, on Hilton Head Island — one of our favorite places in the world. We enjoyed dinner at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte and soaked up the music at The Jazz Corner, both sweet reminders of our roots in south Louisiana.

We always take two weeks away, because I know myself — it takes at least a week for “the office” to quiet down in my head. By the second week, I finally begin to rest, breathe deeply, and reset. This year’s trip gave me space to step back after a full summer of ministry, a month of school-year calendaring, and the holy work of setting new personal and spiritual priorities for the months ahead.

Vacations are more than time off for me — they are a turning of the page. From one season into the next, I pause with intention and remember: “This is what I prayed for.”

Prayers Answered: I prayed for our whole family to live nearby so that Mr. Bob and I could be available, helpful, and part of our children’s and grandchildren’s stories of faith and life. God has answered that prayer with a resounding YES! I’ve already set aside upcoming time off to line up with school breaks so I can be even more present and available with them.

Ministry Highlights: Ministry outside the church walls takes planning, muscle, and energy. This summer, I was blessed with two high school interns who carried tables, rearranged furniture, jumped into staff meetings, helped lead in worship, and asked all the right questions. They learned the “why” behind the “what,” and I watched holy confidence take root in each of them. Both will continue serving in the fall, though in different ways.

Last summer’s young adult intern is now flourishing on the Women’s Ministry Team, leading a middle school girls’ group, serving as the adult lead for confirmation, and co-leading an Abide Lab on prophetic prayer. Watching these young leaders answer God’s call fills me with excitement for sharing Jesus with neighbors, nations, and the next generation.

Holy Surprises: Not everything this season was weighty and serious. At one of our Driveway Parties, a host offered iced cold brew coffee with half-and-half. This lifelong tea-drinker gave it a try … and now I’m hooked. My daughter calls it “the dark side.” I call it “where has this been all my life?!”

Table Life: Today, I’m back in the office, still debriefing. Our Tuesday staff meeting is offsite this week, which feels like a grace-filled extension of my reset at Hilton Head.

With every new season comes a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and rejoice. I step into this one grateful for 41 years of marriage, the nearness of family, the growth of young leaders, and even the joy of discovering a new tasty beverage in iced cold brew coffee.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28