It feels so good to be back home. Writing is home for me. I have missed my blog. And I have missed you. Let’s catch up!

What have I been doing?  I’ve been taking my time with life lately. Watching, listening, learning, and praying. It’s no secret that our world as we’ve known it has shifted. With constant reminders of death, tragedy, and division bombarding us with every turn, our world is slowly normalizing trauma, negativity, and bad news as a new way of life. If not careful, we will clothe ourselves in these burdensome moments then wonder why we struggle with every step as if walking through sinking sand.

Time is nonrefundable and 2020 has made that clear. So, I’ve been working on being present and making time count. Presence is something I’ve taken for granted time and time again. Connecting with family and friends and meeting new people has brought beauty amid all the crazy. 2020 has been like the roller coaster ride that thrill seekers wouldn’t even get on yet here we all are, strapped in. So many steep drops and unexpected turns that have had us all screaming when will it end? I know I’m not alone in saying that I’ve BEEN ready to get off this ride.

Well it’s September now and it’s my favorite month for many reasons. It’s the month I was born and a time where many people are shifting gears. Relaxed daily schedules are regaining structure as vacations are ending and school is beginning. People are renewing their goals with momentum and focus. Summer is making its last few appearances before Fall makes itself known with milder weather, scents of cinnamon and baked goodies, and fresh crisp air that’s incomparable to any other season. The warm tones of nature’s new color palette make me feel so cozy inside. Hopefully for a moment I was able to stop you from thinking about…you know.

Here’s what’s helped me over the past few months. God’s sovereignty has not been undermined by the year 2020. He knows that a world who attempts to function without Him is a world full of chaos and division. He is not surprised nor is He overwhelmed with all that is going on globally and personally. God has not abandoned me or you. He loves us too much (Romans 5:7-8). He wants us to find our hope in the Savior (Jesus!) who has power and authority much greater and stronger than anything in this world (Matt. 28:18). Jesus left us examples in the Bible from His time on Earth of how to love in hard places, stand for what’s right, serve sacrificially, and rest in the One who is in control. He has been in our shoes and succeeded in His mission to overcome darkness, all without succumbing to sin. He is at work making all things new (Isaiah 43:19, Rev. 21: 4-5) and we will see that work in progress if we look beyond the surface of what’s being presented to us. We can be aware of what’s going on without letting it consume us. With every breath we have the gift of more time to live intentionally. Time that some people no longer have.

Good things are still happening. There are still reasons to be thankful. We’ve been distracted long enough. Let’s shift our focus.

How have you been shifting gears as the Summer comes to an end? I’d love to hear about it.