Changes and New Rhythms
So we are empty nesters. We moved the baby of the family into college at the beginning of August. What should have felt like a huge change in our life really hasn’t settled in yet. We went from college move in to rush week to bid day all in a week while I spent some much needed time with my parents and my oldest. I was home for four days before we flew out to move another kid into a new apartment at Penn State. We got home last night. August has been a month of traveling and mostly feeling in limbo…big changes happening but nothing is normal - or routine - yet.
We are grateful for the time we have been able to spend with our kids - especially grateful that they want us there for this small and big moments. It is such a weird place to be…seeing your kids grow up and leave. It is so bittersweet knowing that everything is changing, it will never be the same again, but it can still be so good. There is grief, but also so much hope and excitement. And a lot of prayers.
You guys know how I feel about rhythm and routines…it is what helps bring some structure to my days and the changing of the seasons. It reminds me that every season has a purpose and a time and change is inevitable, but we can flow through it as the seasons come. It reminds me that our lives, our bodies, our spirits are meant to change and flow through the seasons and years, but routine can carry us through and keep us grounded.
August has been a lot of change, but very little routine. Now that we are home I am hopeful for the routines that bring me stability and peace through the changing of the seasons - and of life. What does this look like for me?
I looks like getting back into my morning routine of prayer, bible study, and journaling. It looks like working out every day, it looks like to do lists and feeling caught up and not always behind, it looks like meal planning and cooking at home more, it looks like more me time and more time with my husband, it looks like slowing down, being intentional, lighting the candles, going to bed early, lunch with friends, community and feeling connected, and happy to be home. It looks different - but having gratitude for all of it.
The fact that these big life changes coincide with the changing of the season into Fall (my favorite) and my upcoming 50th birthday is not lost on me - it feels important. Something to slow down and pay attention to - and be really excited about.
Adventure Group Tries COMEDY!!
Tuesday, 9/15
6-8pm
Meridian
Come for real conversation, real community, real catching up, and real fun…and stay for Meridian’s free stand up comedy night!