It has taken 41 years (nearly 20 married), to realize that life happens in phases. For Heather and I, life happens in 4-year phases. It’s uncanny. As we reflect back, we see these phases play out time and time again. From college at UNCW, to the first years of marriage, to today, we now loosely plan for life changes every 4 years. It helps me stay present knowing that our life goes through such distinct phases. It gives me a little comfort during the tough times.

We woke up this rainy, Monday morning and both felt the calm confliction that we were entering a new phase. I’m thankful, intrigued, a little excited, and a little intrigued!

The last 4 years for all of us has been a complete blur. In our case, we moved on (again) from the baby-life, got a dog, opened two shops, coached a bunch of youth teams, managed virtual school, drank too much (largely because of a pandemic), exercised a lot, became members of a new church, and celebrated lots of life around the dinner table with family and friends.

These next four years have our three kiddos in 3 different public schools (High, Middle, Elementary) for the first time ever, in a steady growth mindset for our shops, and both Heather and I working towards big family goals together. Even a big trip out West! Bring on the campervan!

I challenge you to reflect on your past 10 years and notice if your life follows a similar ebb and flow based on phases? How would you plan for the next phase? How would you prepare? I’m excited about what is to come and hope for the best for all of us over the next 4 (or 40) years!

Stop in the shop and say hey sometime. We would love to see your smiling face and greet you with a healthy dose of southern charm.

Cheers!

- Matt