August was a busy month for me, not without its challenges. Nonetheless, I was blessed to get away from the day-to-day and enjoy time in a different but familiar place with my family and friends. In my opinion, rural settings are more relaxing than suburban life. The open fields that I looked out on as I traveled hundreds of miles from the homestead were a welcome sight.

Taking part in old family traditions, including the church gathering, provided a sense of restoration and renewal for me and my family. The purpose of the church service for me was to give God glory for His continued goodness to us, which undoubtedly provided refreshment for our Spirits and ultimately met all our needs collectively.

Every event that my family and I had the privilege to attend in August was because of the goodness of God — not to be taken for granted. I saw many relatives and friends that I don’t often have the opportunity to see or even talk to. All of them seemed as happy to see me as I was to see them.

I have a new appreciation for the simple ways God has for refreshing and restoring us even when we may not know we need to be refreshed.