August 1, 2026

Holding On a Little Longer

Dear Friend,

I don’t know when July slipped by.

Somewhere between writing another story, trying a new recipe, spending evenings outside, and lingering just a little longer after the sun began to set, the calendar quietly turned toward August.

It seems like only yesterday summer was just beginning. Now the evenings arrive a little sooner, the morning light feels softer, and even the familiar sounds of the season remind me that these days won’t last forever.

Rather than rushing ahead to the next season, August has invited me to slow down, to notice, to be present, and to hold on a little longer.

Story 10 found its ending this month, and Story 11 has quietly begun finding its footing. As I’ve settled into my writing chair each weekend, I’ve realized something I wasn’t expecting.

I’ve been living two summers.

One here at home, and another alongside Emma.

While I’ve been enjoying the quiet rhythm of my own days, she’s been wandering familiar streets, stopping by the bookstore, lending a hand around town, and discovering new corners of the island that continue to feel like home. Somewhere between writing each chapter, her summer has become part of mine, and I think that’s one of the unexpected joys of telling a story one season at a time.

My kitchen has reflected the season, too.

Fresh berries on the counter. Lighter dinners after warm afternoons. Recipes simple enough that there’s still time to enjoy the evening before the day slips away. I’ve loved sharing those recipes with you because they’ve become part of the rhythm of our home, and I hope they’ve found a place in yours as well.

More than anything, though, I’ve found myself paying attention to the little things: an unexpected summer breeze arriving on an afternoon that feels almost too warm to bear, reading outside for one more chapter before coming in, listening to the familiar chorus of cicadas as daylight begins to fade, and watching the sunlight stretch across the room differently than it did only a few weeks ago.

I’ve been reminded that gratitude often begins with paying attention.

Earlier this month, one quiet evening stayed with me long after the day had ended.

One of my favorite moments from July.

Jake and I stayed in the pool until the sky had grown dark and the July moon rose above us. I remember looking up and thinking how easy it is to miss beautiful things when we’re always looking ahead to what’s next.

That quiet evening eventually became the inspiration for one of the reflections I shared here on Grace in the Waiting. Every time I look at that photograph, I’m reminded that God often meets us in the ordinary moments we almost overlook.

I’ve also been taking my time with Three Junes by Julia Glass. Summer has always made me want to linger with a good book instead of rushing to the next chapter, and this season has been no different. There’s something special about reading outdoors while the world slowly winds down around you.

As July quietly gave way to August, another memory found its place beside that one.

Holding on a little longer.

We had spent the evening together, drifting between the pool and the patio, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Before heading back in, we paused long enough to take one quick picture.

Looking at it now, I don’t notice the wet hair or whether we were perfectly posed. I simply see one ordinary summer evening that became a memory worth keeping.

Our boys are grown now, finding their own paths, and evenings when all four of us are together have become something I treasure more than I can put into words. It reminded me that holding on a little longer isn’t really about summer at all. It’s about recognizing the people and moments that make a season unforgettable while we’re still living them.

As August begins, I’ll be spending more mornings at my writing desk with Emma as Story 11 unfolds. There will be more reflections inspired by everyday life, more seasonal recipes from my kitchen, and, I hope, many more ordinary moments that remind us to slow down and notice the goodness that’s already around us.

Before I close this month’s letter, I wanted to tuck one little something inside.

I’ve included this month’s Summer Adventure List, part scavenger hunt and part bucket list. I created it simply to encourage us to enjoy these last lingering weeks of summer. Whether you check off one idea or every single one, I hope it gives you a reason to step outside, make a memory, and hold on to this season just a little longer.

Thank you for spending a little time here at my writing desk.

Whether you’ve been reading from your porch, beside the water, in your favorite chair, or during a quiet morning before the day begins, I’m grateful we’ve shared a little part of this season together.

I hope wherever August finds you, there are moments that invite you to slow down, look around, and discover the quiet gifts waiting in ordinary days.

Until next month,

Shelley

Before summer quietly turns the page…
I hope this Summer Adventure List inspires you to notice the little things, make a few memories, and enjoy the season just a little longer.