Reader,

Now that we’re two days past Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer here in the US, I had to share the photo of flip-flops locked together with a padlock.

It’s one of my favorites because of what it evokes about summer.

Unlike for many of you, saying goodbye to summer has never been a problem for me.

While I do like the additional sunlight and going to baseball games, the warmer temperatures of summer drain me. Putting summer in the rearview mirror energizes me for what comes next.

You see, I’m a fall and September kind of guy. New things begin in the fall.

When I reflect on my past, I remember a lot of firsts that happened for me in September.

How about you?

In September, I started my first job out of college. Our oldest son was born in September. I bought my first new car in September. And it’s the month I participated in my first labor strike.

There’s more I could say about all these firsts that happened to me in September. If you’re interested, we can discuss them over dinner at your house sometime (Wednesdays work best, but I’m flexible.)

What about you, though?

I wonder what new things started for you in the fall. I’d love to hear them, and I bet our other readers and listeners would, too.

But if you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, you can check out a podcast I did a few years ago. It’s no. 120, “The Best Relationship Advice From This Summer.”​

​Click here to listen or read the show notes.

Until next week, I wish you all the joy that you can wish.*

John Certalic

You Were Made for This is the podcast sponsored by Caring for Others, a missionary care ministry.

* The Merchant of Venice, Act III, scene 2