6 Things Keeping Me Grounded in Our Season of Waiting
Until right now, there were approximately three of you who knew. Let’s change that.
We’re waiting on orders. Again.
If I’m being honest, I don’t share this process with many people because it feels scary and I want to hold it close. I spend time fretting, worrying, and generally being stressed about what’s next for our family of six. Why do I do this? The obvious answer is because it's unknown. It is a giant question mark and it’s completely out of our control. The lesser seen observations are the roots of my worry.
I fret about my husband’s next set of orders because I deeply care for the well-being of my family.
I want the best for our children, our marriage, my husband’s career, and my own dreams and visions. With my lips I can proclaim giving it all to the Lord, but convincing my brain to follow is a different story. Living it out through my actions is yet even more difficult.
I would be lying if I said there haven’t been moments when I find myself walking to the pantry 8 times in one hour searching for the dark chocolate covered almond I am convinced will ease the stress. But throughout my moments of weakness, I can see a handful of things keeping me grounded in this season.
Reading The Hunger Games with our oldest daughter
She’s reading, I’m listening, and it’s so good for my soul. It’s like a mini book club and I get to see an old series through a fresh set of eyes. What a gift.
Glimpsing answered prayer
Our youngest daughter has been struggling with her transition back to school this year. I caught the most precious scene this week when I saw my husband praying with our daughter before school. Yes, it was a sweet moment, but more than that it is an answer to a long-ago prayer of mine. In the beginning of our marriage, my husband did not fully embrace the leadership role within our family. I prayed and prayed for him to be able to lead our family well as a man of God. To see God’s faithfulness this week through answered prayer is helping keep my perspective in check.
A bike ride
This makes me laugh because I don’t even own a bicycle. When our youngest son got quarantined last week because of an exposure to covid, I randomly suggested a bike ride to break up the virtual school day. I adjusted my husband’s bike and took off with our son on an hour-long bike ride. Never have I ever been able to take only one kid for a bike ride and it was amazing.
Weekly calls
When I am struggling, I find it helpful to have anchor points throughout my week. A life-giving rhythm is immensely helpful in keeping me grounded when big decisions are looming. Sunday nights I call one of my cross-country besties. Wednesday mornings I get to pray with a local friend as she drives to work. Tuesday afternoons I hop on a zoom call with a writer friend to get some writing work done. These times are sacred and much needed for me.
TJ Maxx
Because their fall candles are my absolute favorite and I will never stop buying more. Let’s go, candles -- take my money, fill my home with cinnamon and pumpkin goodness, and sit pretty in my kitchen with your warm glow and gentle flicker.
Yellowstone
Mike and I are re-watching Yellowstone before the new season debuts. Every night after the kiddos go to bed we curl up on the couch and press play on another episode. It’s comforting to re-watch an old favorite with my favorite person.
What’s helping you feel grounded right now? What feels life-giving? Pause and reflect (something I’m not always great at doing). Or maybe hit reply, type it out, and let me encourage you!