Life is chaotic; I think we can all attest to that. Even when we think something isn’t stressful, if we try removing it from our lives for a while and then bring it back, we often notice almost immediately, and tension knots and headaches can slowly re-emerge. Luckily, I've found a reset button... a little piece of heaven with a lakefront every summer filled with my favorite people.
My favorite story of the Bible is the true tale of David and Goliath. I'm sure you've seen the storyline; it's been recycled again and again (think Rocky, Forrest Gump, Remember The Titans, Shrek, Mean Girls, even Legally Blonde!) We love to root on the underdog. And in this story – the original – the underdog was David, a shepherd too young for even a learners permit. He held a slingshot and gripped a tight passion for God. If you're unfamiliar, here's the SparkNotes:
It's no surprise to know motherhood isn't a walk in the park. As a new mother, you'll experience struggles, breakdowns (likely both you and your child), and moments where you feel utterly helpless, it usually 'comes with the gig.' But the key to a strong platform as a mother, in essence, is learning to let go of insecurity and walk boldly in humility.
As I was growing up, the one thing that stayed consistent in my journey with anxiety is that fellow Christians constantly reminded me fear wasn’t from God.
I’m a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, dogmom, niece, cousin, and friend. I’m a lot of things to a lot of people. I’m also an introvert. Dun dun dunnn! That’s not a bad thing; honestly, I cherish that description of myself and was thrilled when I figured it out. I no longer wonder why I crave long runs alone and reading for hours on end or the magic of a road trip, blowing the speakers of my car as I sing along to my favorite songs. That’s how I recharge my battery. The more I recharge, the more I can give out to others in return.
I remember it like it was yesterday, I was told to 'marry my ministry.' Now, a year later, I finally understand its meaning - all due to studying the Biblical book of Ruth, chock full of principles every 'single' gal needs to hear while waiting for the man God has for them.
I want to live a simpler life.
One where I’m not constantly diverting my eyes to the screen of a device that fits in the palm of my hand. One where I’m not pressuring myself to find words of greatness before I can pen them onto a page. One where I’m not left searching for connectivity in a blur of online perfectionism. One where I can be content in the everyday moments, instead of in searching for greater and bigger and better.
I’m a planner.
My favorite time of the year is at Christmas when I specifically ask for only one gift: a customized, Erin Condren Life Planner. Call me a nerd or an overachieving student, but when I have that planner with me, I am invincible.
All my life, I feel like I struggled with hyping things up in my head and always looking forward instead of being present. I spent my days anticipating the next exciting thing that was about to happen. Whether it was learning how to drive, moving into my first apartment, or going to college, most of my average days were spent awaiting life’s milestones.
I still remember the exact feeling I had when I looked down to read “Pregnant” on the pregnancy test I had just taken.