“Sniff.” You smell that? It’s almost fall, which means cooler weather, shorter days, and, this year, virtual learning. Never in my wildest imagination would I have dreamed up a scenario where my son would be starting high school at home, likely in sweatpants and socks, on his computer.

I’m nervous for our kids. The little ones, whose memories of beginning school will be of zoom meetings and muting themselves, are probably the most affected by this, and they don’t even know any different. I know I personally have been struggling with things; I can’t imagine what the kids are feeling.

This year has been crazy, right? And we are seemingly still in the thick of the craziness. But, amid all of the unknown and the flat-out weird, there’s been a lot of really amazing things, too. Our police and fire departments have found new and unique ways to serve our community. Neighbors have stepped up to help neighbors. Churches have discovered that the building is just one vessel for their ministries. It’s been interesting and fascinating to watch the transformations happen in every facet of our lives.

We weren’t prepared. Our schools weren’t ready. Our lives were busy and planned and scheduled to the max. If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s been to slow down; take a breath and just let things happen as they will. I’ve learned that I can’t control everything in my world, as much as I want to, and that’s okay. I’ve been spending a lot more time at home, with my family, and that’s worth all of it.

So, as fall approaches, and the weather turns cooler, I’ll breathe it all in with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. This, too, shall pass. It’s all going to be okay.