Running Late Recently, and It’s OK
A few weeks ago, I got the sense to write again…
Let me just start with: I’m late, y’all…
And I know that it’s ok to put the pen to paper now because, well there’s no rules to this thing, and I made time today to sit, reflect and write (and it feels so good).
We’re now into November and I’ve had Fall on my mind, specifically the beautiful month of October.
Halloween…
Over the years, I’ve appreciated how and taken notice of how other Christians respond to Halloween. Some go to church. Some spend the night worshipping and praying over our country, our neighborhoods, and families. Some hold parties or go trick-or-treating, while others don’t. I’m not sure what the “best answer” is, but I do love how God’s people approach this day differently.
As for me and my house, we’ve decided to use it as an opportunity for Jesus to shine from our home. So, over the years, we have:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.~John 1:5.
Placed bright white lights across the front of our home. Maybe taking a literal lens on this verse in Scripture…
Shared the Word of Love, Truth, and Encouragement.
John 1:1 states that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” We also know that “Faith comes by hearing” in Romans 10:17. What better way to share the Word than on this night where countless families are coming to our door?
Prayed. This year, I prayed throughout the night. The next morning, I did the same, as I walked around our home and prayed. I am not messing with anything the enemy tries to bring on that night. Nope!
This year I didn’t get the lights up and the Scriptures connected to the bags of candy almost didn’t happen this year…
Because I was running late…
Fall, however, is one of our FAVORITE times of the year, and although we don’t celebrate Halloween, we do choose to celebrate the beauty of change and God’s beautiful gift of Fall.
Every year, our family has the tradition of going to a local pumpkin patch and farm. We sip on apple cider for hours, snack on anything with pumpkin and cinnamon sprinkled all over it, and eat some of the best midwest BBQ around. This was the first year, ever, I believe, we didn’t all make it to the pumpkin patch. I thought we had more time…
But I was running late…
This year we missed it, and at first, I was a little heartbroken, not gonna lie.
As I reflect on being busy and the blessings that came with this Fall, I’ve realized it’s ok that I was late.
I’ve realized that it’s ok, and it’s also a reminder that as this life continues to speed up and our girls get older, to continue to make time for the things that connect us more deeply, bring us more joy, and invite other friends in on this journey during this season of our girls lives.
Sitting here under this blanket with my family snuggled around this couch, and reflecting on being late, I’m thankful.
I know this probably sounds so silly. But genuinely, hear me out. It’s not about the actual pumpkin patch. It’s not about the pumpkin this or that. It’s not even about the rides or slides or corn pit. It’s about the time together. It’s about the connection and staying unified. It’s about having their childhood woven throughout their upbringing and it’s about family. It’s about building examples for our girls that no matter how busy we get, the importance of making time for those you love most takes intentionality. My hope is that as our girls look back at the rhythms of family connection growing up, they will continue these rhythms, too.
I’m thankful because the nights this Fall were still filled with togetherness, and even more friends. I’m thankful for more Friday night football nights and more sleepovers than I can remember, more late nights and friends over for 2-3 days straight, more early morning donut runs and late night snack runs, too.
And something I learned is that sometimes I’m late, and it’s ok. And sometimes I miss things, and it’s ok. And sometimes, I have to step back and realize that the heart of what I was wanting for my girls has already been happening from the One who has been making it happen since the beginning.
I’m just grateful He allows me to see it differently now and give myself more grace as I keep navigating this thing called motherhood.
This is a reminder to give yourself grace too.
Have you missed something lately?
It’s ok.
Have you been late on something lately?
It’s ok.
Did you have dreams of carrying a tradition that hasn’t quite played out how you imagined in your mind because of, well, life?
Yup, that’s ok, too!
I bet if you look back and realize what’s been unfolding in front of the whole time is more beautiful than you can even articulate.
And in fact, there’s nothing truly late about any of it.
But all exactly right on time.
Let’s turn our Eyes to Jesus because it’s all for His Glory.
In love,
Kassie Leigh