Haley
And just like that, it’s fall and I’ve only blogged a couple times in the past four months. Real school has taken us by storm. It’s a mad rush at night to eat dinner and do the normal bedtime routine, then pack lunches and get everyone to bed at a decent time. And this is only Kindergarten!
Quite honestly, I’m still finding my groove as the busyness of this season of life ebbs and flows. My husband’s business is growing–and oftentimes I’m called upon to help out at his commercial space during the day and it seems like we work every night once the kids go to bed. And I’m freelancing for several clients and serving at church while attempting to keep my Beaudozer well-fed, which could practically be a full-time job. And of course sickness season has hit and we’ve already felt the brunt early–but maybe that means we’re getting it over with early, too?!
But it’s well into fall now, as the leaves have recently changed colors here in north Georgia and are now falling from the trees. Halloween came and went–and the kids had great fun dressing up–but I’m ready for Thanksgiving and a focus on family and gratefulness. My spirit needs time to slow down, soak up and reflect. I need to be able to pause for a few moments and slow the pace of life.
The up-and-down changes in this Georgia weather accurately mirror my life. One day I’m productive and patient and doing all.the.things. And the next, I’m treading water and those ripples always seem to filter down to my family. One of my biggest weaknesses is wanting to say yes to everything, especially for worthy causes. But last week, I realized I had spread myself much too thin as I was struggling to devote enough time to caring for my Beaudozer and wasn’t able to support my husband with his business–both of which are top priorities at this point in life. So I wrestled with things for a few days, prayed and then received a loving kick in the right direction from my husband. In effect, I postponed an opportunity to freelance for a new client and also backed out of watching preschoolers at church on Wednesday nights in the New Year. Those seemed to be the tipping point that caused my full cup to overflow.
It’s hard saying no to good things–extra money, an expanded portfolio or time spent serving others. It’s hard to see the need and not be able to step into the shoes to fill it. But sometimes, you have to pull back a bit to focus on your family and fight against the feelings of selfishness and letting people down.
I’m ready for Thanksgiving week–a week without school drop-offs or pick-ups or homework. I’m ready for a quick getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains where many household chores are put on hold. I’m ready for a week spent with family, without looming to-do lists or doctor’s appointments. And then, at the end of Thanksgiving week after the Bulldawgs eek out another win, I’ll be ready to step back into real life again.
