The end of summer

This picture of my son standing in front of a crashing wave at Hatteras (OBX) is one of my favorites. While attempting to take a normal picture of him at the surf, this wave happened to crash into our picture. I'll take it. Yet, just as quickly as that wave broke, another summer has passed. This was confirmed when I took my two oldest to school this morning and they marched into class and immediately got to work. We had a great and full summer. For me, some of the highlights included:
- Making our annual pilgrimage to Hatteras Island (even though the entire family had a stomach bug for half of the week).
- Brennan and I camping out for the first time at the Peaks of Otter (though we forgot bug spray and other key camping essentials).
- Watching July 4 fireworks near the Lynchburg Hillcats stadium (we were running behind and didn't quite make it to the stadium).
- Taking Brennan and Emma to inner city Charleston, WV to serve in an outreach of communicating the Gospel and offering backpacks and school supplies to those in need.
- Teaching a PhD seminar on the Latin Church Fathers at Liberty.
- Finishing my PhD dissertation on Brazilian missions for the University of Pretoria.
- Doing initial research and writing for a proposed book on missions in the early church.
- Celebrating my 39th birthday with Shawn, Brennan, Emma, and Evie--eating Middle Eastern food and swimming.
- Biking 10-12 miles most mornings and then riding a couple more with Brennan and Emma.
- Lots of swimming.

It's been a full summer. It's been fun. And now it's over. As I reflect on the end of summer and beginning of a new school year, I am reminded of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness.