Something within me has been slowly shifting, and as a result, I’ve been brought to a quieter place.
In a world of endless scrolling, my soul leans towards things that are worth slowing down for.
This “leaning” has shifted how I use my time online, both with my blog and my social media use.
As many of you know, I have been writing online for nearly 18 years (so wonderfully wild!), and as my children get older and life takes its beautiful twists and turns, I have found myself stepping back from some of the things that have always been. As I age, I want healthy intention, not just what’s familiar. (Because sometimes, what’s familiar is not that great . . . can you relate?)
Instead, I’ve been asking myself, “What things are worth slowing down for?”
Here’s a small sampling of what I’ve gathered:
As a mama to five children, spanning ages 13 years to 3, my days are beautifully full – as you can imagine. I recently celebrated my 41st birthday; happy birthday to me! 🙂 And I don’t want to get into bed at night just to reflect on the last 16 hours and think, Yup, today was b u s y ! – and have that be it.
Instead, I want to reflect on my day (all the parts of my day) and think, “Today was full and challenging and beautiful, and I gave my family my best. Today, I was a strong woman for my family.”
I want to acknowledge what was done well and what could use extra support. More gratitude and less rumination.
I am a woman who notices God’s goodness in the ordinary days.
And to be that, I need to be comfortable sitting with the ordinary days.
I’ve also been spending specific times of day praying about what I want this corner of the internet to be. I’m not sure how long you’ve been reading, but there are years and years recorded here. New jobs offered and small businesses begun, babies birthed, moves spanning Michigan, Minnesota, and California. Books read and letters written. Hardship walked with my family, with miracles mixed in.
And even with all that, one thought remains: God’s goodness is in the ordinary day.
I’d like to share some more reflections from my kitchen table . . .
In the middle rests a centerpiece of local flowers, a prize won at a baby shower from the weekend. Signs of summer move throughout my home: the fruit basket overflowing with fresh fruit, cookies cooling on the counter, and a pile of sandals decorating the front entry. Bikes, bathing suits, and towels drying litter the outside, and another round of dinner is about to begin.
Earlier this afternoon, I dozed off on the couch with my 3-year-old son. Two back-to-back sessions of therapy are quite tiring. (Did you know?) He’s not napping much these days, and with him being my fifth child, I know full well babies don’t keep. I’m grateful to have had that hour of quiet with him. That is certainly worth slowing down for.
What else is worth slowing down for? Which things make up an ordinary day?
Let me record some more reflections . . .
Savoring a Bible verse and looking forward to the next meal with my family.
Noticing the sunlight as it travels across my backyard and feeling delight over playing with my kids at the park.
And when the front door opens and my husband crosses the threshold, I notice the flutter that washes over me.
Now I want to hear from you: What would you slow down for?
(And by the way, I’m so glad you’re here.)
xx, Maggie
