Life lessons

Sometimes you just need to stop, and see the world around you in a new way. I caught this image of a meadow lark toward the end of a Saturday afternoon drive with my husband.

(Or what I’ve learned since May 23)

It’s been more than a month since the dreaded “L” day.

Long enough I’ve lost track of the exact week.

Since then, I’ve gained four freelancing clients, earned too much to qualify for unemployment (don’t get me started on filing for unemployment and the crazy process involved), and gained a new perspective.

In the beginning, I hustled for every writing job to come my way. In fact, the Lawman joked I was working hard for being “unemployed.”

I also filled my days with volunteering, first with VBS, and later youth camp in Alabama.

I also tossed in a fun trip to the pool (the first time in seven summers I found myself there for fun, instead of work), and a trip to Crystal Bridges.

Mostly, though I kept busy.

Oh it was a good busy. The interviews and subsequent stories were wonderful.

It gave me a “shot of energy” to be writing stories for a publication / editor who appreciated my work. It reminded me of why I got in the business in the first place – to tell stories.

As far as camp and VBS, I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

There’s something special and sacred to have the opportunity to be present as God works in the lives of young people.

Those two weeks reminded me why I said yes oh so many years ago to God and pursued a career in youth/children’s ministry.

It was a busy time, filled with lots of good things. But really, really busy.

But then my new normal took a turn. Instead of filling my days with work, or covering July 4th events as in the past, I was struck with the reality of my new life.

The days, where I would run to four or more events, were finished. I got to pick where we (the Lawman and I) went for fun, rather than where I would go to work.

It meant I got to sit back and enjoy fireworks – really for the first time since 2013. I could wander around a festival with my husband. (He told me this was the first time he felt like a “we” at an event rather than my “plus one.”)

I also slept. A lot actually. Blame the round of summer bronchitis, or just call it God’s way of making me stop.

I found myself taking time to rest – be it a long nap, or by sitting in my new hammock chair. I began to find ways to unplug and be still.

I think that’s the lesson I’ve learned the most in this first month as a self-employed journalist.

It’s ok not to be connected / work 24/7/365. The easy thing is to ignore the urge to turn off. The brave thing, is to find a way to rest.

Because it’s in the quiet, when God not only finds a way to speak truth into our life – but we find a way to listen.

I truly believe #GodsGotThis moment of my life. There’s a plan waiting around the corner, for me to discover.

It’s up to me to be faithful in what he’s given me today, so I’m ready for what’s next.

#GodsGotThis – the verse that reminds me of this today and everyday: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

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Kaylea