What Will Your September Song Be? Writing a Legacy of Love

By Theresa Mabry
Encompass Director of Operations

Ahh, September … do you remember? Many of you probably started humming the upbeat tune by Earth, Wind & Fire. The song is light, joyful, and unforgettable—much like the good memories we carry with loved ones. 

But there’s another “September Song” written back in 1938 for a Broadway musical. Its words carry a deeper message about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of treasuring every stage of life: 

“For the days dwindle down to a precious few—September, November. 
And these few precious days I’ll spend with you; 
These golden days I’ll spend with you.” 

This simple chorus invites us to reflect: How are we spending our days, our months, our years? Are we cultivating the kinds of relationships that will sustain us when we reach those “golden days”? 

The Encompass Mission in Action 

At Encompass, our mission is to inspire and equip relationships to thrive using timeless values and skills. That mission is more than a tagline--it’s lived out in every coaching session, every workshop, and every program we offer. 

• We have sat across from couples on the brink of separation, giving them tools to rebuild communication, navigate conflict, and rediscover the joy of being “us.” 

• We’ve encouraged spouses in mid-life transitions—empty nesters, career changers, or caregivers—who need fresh ways to connect in their new season. 

• We’ve pointed individuals to counseling resources when their burdens were too heavy to carry alone. 

• And we’ve reminded countless people that they are not defined by their mistakes or failures, but that growth is always possible.

Each breakthrough, each smile, each renewed commitment doesn’t just transform the couple in front of us—it impacts children, grandchildren, and entire family trees for generations to come. 

And here’s the truth: this work is only possible because of the generosity of those who believe in this mission. Your financial support allows our staff to invest time, training, and energy into helping couples and families thrive. Every dollar fuels impact. 

Lessons for All of Us 

While Encompass exists to coach, teach, and equip, the call to nurture our relationships isn’t just for clients--it’s for every one of us. No matter your season of life, there are practical steps you can take today to strengthen your closest connections. 

Here are three simple, but powerful, practices you can start right now: 
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1. Prioritize Presence Over Busyness 

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to let calendars and to-do lists crowd out meaningful moments. This week, try carving out at least one technology-free hour with your spouse, child, or friend. Sit on the porch, take a walk, or simply share a meal together without distractions. These small investments compound over time and create memories that last. 

2. Communicate With Curiosity, Not Assumption 

So many relational conflicts grow out of misunderstanding. Instead of assuming you know what the other person thinks or feels, ask curious questions: 

• “What’s been the highlight of your week?” 

• “What’s one thing I can do to support you right now?” 

• “How did that make you feel?” 

Curiosity opens the door to deeper understanding and reduces unnecessary tension. 

3. Celebrate the Everyday Wins 

Healthy relationships are not built on grand gestures alone. They are sustained by daily doses of encouragement, gratitude, and kindness. Make it a habit to notice the good and speak it out loud. A simple “thank you for making dinner” or “I love how you handled that situation” builds trust and appreciation over the years. 

These aren’t complicated practices, but they are intentional. Practiced regularly, they shape a foundation strong enough to carry you into the “golden days” with joy, not regret. 

Stories of Impact … and Your Role 

Every couple or individual who finds healing at Encompass carries a story of transformation. But every supporter who gives, prays, and encourages also carries a story of impact. Together, those stories weave into something bigger than any one of us: stronger families, healthier communities, and legacies that ripple for generations. 

Many of you give because you’ve experienced the blessing of strong marriages or friendships. You know firsthand how important it is to invest in relationships. Your partnership ensures that others—those who are hurting, searching, or just beginning their journey—can find the tools and hope they desperately need. 

A Special September Invitation 

Right now, we are in the middle of our September Fund Drive. Our goal is to raise $15,000 by the end of the fiscal year on September 30. 
This is a special moment when we invite our closest friends and most faithful supporters to go above and beyond regular giving. Your extra gift this month will: 

• Equip more couples with practical skills to communicate and resolve conflict. 

• Support individuals who need encouragement and direction in their relationships. 

• Sustain our staff and programs so that every family we serve can experience lasting change. 

Would you prayerfully consider making a special gift this September? 
👉 Click Here to Give

Together, we can ensure that when couples and families look back on their “golden days,” they’ll do so with gratitude for the love they nurtured and the legacy they created. 

Looking Ahead 

Relationships don’t thrive by accident. They thrive when we choose to be intentional—when we invest time, energy, and love into the people who matter most. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your friends, or your extended family, you have the opportunity to make daily deposits into the kind of relationships that will last a lifetime. 

At Encompass, we’re here to walk that journey with you. Thank you for partnering with us, standing with us, and helping us continue this vital mission. Together, we are not only building stronger marriages and families—we are shaping futures, one relationship at a time.