Marathon 101

How to get back on Track

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What I learned this Spring 2020

I have been recapping each season of my life for two years. 

I thought that this Spring, I should give you insight into some of the deepest lessons I am carrying with me for the rest of this year.  Here is what I learned in the Spring of 2020.

• Sometimes, when people tell me something over and over, I should believe them. 

The things that people told me the most this Spring was: 

"You have a voice. Use it."

"You have power. Use it." 

I obviously must have been acting like I had neither. 

Friends, I got discouraged and desperate at times. I also listened to this sound advice different people gave me. 

I learned that when you feel voiceless and lacking power, it is important to listen to the voices of those who see something in you that you do not see in yourself. I do have a voice. I do have power. I hope to use both for the good of others. 

• One of my mentors had a very candid conversation with me. She listened to me. I listened to her. I am still digesting the wisdom she gave me. She reminded me to develop a thicker skin. She reminded me of God's plan and how I can be active in it. Thank God for people who are wiser and willing to share their wisdom with us.

• My family and I really like one another. I want to say that quarantine was challenging but we recognized how incredibly blessed we are. We also recognized that being together was a gift not to be wasted. We spent a lot of time at the dinner table. We talked, prayed and we wrote letters. We trusted God to bring about better days.

• I was so busy before the world changed that I did not have time to process my transition from Houston to East Texas. It's amazing how your soul doesn't forget. I decided to feel my feelings. Part of the process was finally getting to say, thank God I am where I am.

•  God knows a lot of stuff I don't know.  I honestly didn't know how this move was going to work out. All we knew was that we were being led and we wanted to follow God. Where He leads, He provides. From the smallest details to the big ones, He knows. He cares. I learned this lesson in greater depth this Spring. 

• This Spring, I learned that people want to change. A lot of my acquaintances and friends expressed their desire to no longer be passive about the issues of racism. I'm so glad. 

• My husband Zeke is my superhero. I'm glad he chose me. I'm glad God brought us together. I was thinking about the chances of the two of us meeting. They were pretty slim. A girl from Rio and a guy from Mississippi. I'm amazed at how God brought us together. I am thankful for every second I spend with Zeke. I pray for a long, healthy life together serving God and loving our sweet kids.

• The lessons God taught me during this Spring should inform how I live for the rest of the year. I spoke about this with several friends. I told them, "we are learning something, even in this difficult season. These lessons should inform how we live from now on." I refuse to settle. I refuse not to grow and be all who God called me to be.

What did you learn this Spring?

More in this series:
• Spring 2018
• Summer 2018
• Fall 2018
• Winter 2019
• Spring 2019
• Summer 2019
• Fall 2019
• Winter 2020

Organizing my Summer Life

There is no doubt this summer feels different. 

Regardless of what the climate is outside of my home, I am called to set the atmosphere inside of my home. 

Have you considered the atmosphere inside your home this summer?

What atmosphere will you create for your family?

One thing I know for sure. The world (and its people) outside of my home do not get to set the atmosphere I live in. It is my gift and responsibility to do that. 

What atmosphere will I create for my family?

1. An atmosphere of love and nurture - At the end of life, being loved by your own is really what matters. I want to love and nurture now. In what ways can you love and nurture your family?

2. A place where childhood is treasured - I believe that childhood is a gift worth being preserved. I want my children to be children, to act like children, and to enjoy this season in their lives. I will encourage all that comes with childhood. The wonder. The questions. The lack of acting like an adult. God created childhood to be enjoyed. I want to make sure my kids enjoy their time being children. 

3. A place of learning - My husband and I are our children's main source of learning. We have a lot to teach and like little sponges, they are absorbing everything. I want to create an atmosphere where learning is encouraged. My children are learning how to thrive during a crisis. They are learning how to combat racism. My children are learning how to love and serve God. They learn manners from us and how to treat others. I want to encourage learning. When we learn, we grow. 

When I started to write this post, I was thinking about organizing my summer schedule. Life is more than writing down a schedule and following what it says. Life is about being intentional with each moment we are given. 

Deciding on the atmosphere inside our home will certainly contribute to a blessed summer, no matter what happens with the world outside.

Thoughts

1. It is no surprise to the readers of this blog that racism is wrong. The current climate in the U.S. and the world is also not surprising. I'm eager to see what people will do with the knowledge they are acquiring. 

2. I'm having all of my conversations about race in person. There's a lower margin for error. People can really hear my heart. I can also hear theirs and together, we are growing. 

3. Running has been amazing. I always say it is for sanity and not for vanity.

4. I've been super busy with work, yet, making time to renew, recharge, and really regain perspective. Adopting a routine of rest is just wise for me. 

5. Once again, I am learning that "No" is a complete sentence.

6. I have been doing a lot of reflection. I believe that as I reflect on what was, I can inform what will be.

7. Investing in my health during this season was a great idea.