If you look at the calendar, you see that it’s September tomorrow. I wanted to offer you things to do before you say, “where did the summer go?”

1. Write down three things in the last month that made you smile. I mean literally take a writing tool and on paper, write three words or sentences.

2. Send a note to Vicki, care of Grabill Missionary Church PO Box 279, Grabill, IN 46741. Her husband died suddenly last week and she’s one of your co-readers of 300 words a day. And it’s hard. She knows all the things I say. Some of you have support that goes beyond that.

3. Listen to Brian’s song about the waiting room. The other day he said that he hears from people who say, “I don’t understand. What’s the thing about waiting?” and he says, “You’ll understand.” (And if it resonates with you, leave a comment on the video).

4. In every retail transaction you make today, make eye contact and say, “Thank you.”

5. After every interaction with a family member today, say “Thank you.”

6. Stop reading this for a minute. Say, “God, there’s something you’ve given me that actually is to hand on to someone else. Who is it?” Then listen for the thing and the person. Then respond. (It was true for a kid with a little bit fish and bread.)

7. Look in the mirror, laugh, and say, “Even like this, I am loved by God.” 

And now you can say, “I was really helpful in August this year.”