It's Going to Get Worse
but it's also going to be drenched with goodness.
It’s summer in St. Louis. The thick Missouri heat is beginning its descent upon us. It’s been mild thus far, though our once-green blades of grass are already beginning to wither under the humid oppression. But I’ve lived here long enough to know: it’s going to get worse.
Days will come when the thick air takes your breath away. When the mosquitos run rampant, leaving innumerable welts on our fragile skin. When the only thing you can reasonably do is stay indoors and watch your electric bill rise by the second.
It’s certainly going to get worse. But it’s also going to be dripping with goodness.
Like the remnants of a Bomb Pop trickling down my toddler’s face, this summer will stain our souls with sweet, sweet memories.
Like giggles reverberating while running through sprinkler-doused obstacle courses, this summer will give way to moments of joy echoing in our spirits.
Like bubbles cascading from wands and whirring, spinning machines, this summer may even bring magic with her wherever she goes.
In the same way, life is laden with heavy days, where it seems too hard to even cross the threshold into the world beyond, where breath catches in your throat, where discomfort wells up and leaves a mark.
But the same sun that brings the stifling heat is also the one that brings the morning dawn, shattering the dark with her soft rays.
She calls us from slumber and illuminates the possibility of the day ahead.
She dances on skin and glides over cool, deep surfaces, an invitation to dive into the dazzling magic she brings in her wake.
And in the lingering fever of the season to come, she proves that she can hold heat and light in palpable, beautiful ways.
And she whispers: “You can do the same.”
The girls are at camp and my husband is in Florida for a conference, so it’s just our new au pair, Susana, and me holding down the fort. We’d planned to watch a movie together last night after the boys went to bed, but I fell asleep in the two hours it took to finally get Callan to settle. A lot of my life is like this right now; best-laid plans morphing into some exhausted version of survival instead. At the end of the day, I have to choose to be okay with the way things wind up. I wanted to watch the movie, but maybe God knew I needed extra sleep instead. Perspective is a powerful thing, and I’m doing my best to shift it when necessary. It’s a Holy Spirit practice in progress, y’all.
Gratitude makes a big difference for me.
Thank you, Jesus, for these baby boys breathing next to me. For this house with room for them to play. Thank you for the gift of employment and for the reliable childcare in our home who is an extension of our family. Thank you for days of rest in the middle of weary seasons.
Focusing on these things is the quickest way to find perspective for me, and I’d wager that it’s the same for you. Here’s my challenge for you:
Take inventory of your life - on this day, in this moment. Acknowledge what’s hard and heavy and ask for fresh perspective.
Make a list of at least three things that you are grateful for, even in the midst of a difficult day. Is there anything you recognize that might be a gift in disguise (like extra sleep instead of staying up late to watch a movie)?
Say a prayer thanking God for what is all around you. It doesn’t need to be formal—just breathe in a thank you and breathe out the goodness you find right where you are.
I’d love to hear how you’re shifting your perspective in this season of life. Comment below with some things you’re grateful for and how recalling these things is encouraging you to lean in to what is instead of what might be.
Things I’m loving right now:
Reading - “The Girl With the Louding Voice” by Abi Darè. It’s been more than a year since I bought this book on a whim one day, but once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down! What a beautiful story of one girl’s rise to freedom and persistent hope in the midst of even the darkest seasons.
Listening - Honestly, the whole family has been listening to the “Matilda” soundtrack on repeat. Primarily because Elsie is obsessed (I’m certain this girl is gonna fall in love with musical theater one day) and partially because Callan keeps asking for the “Children Song.” Either way, it’s a spunky little soundtrack that sure beats an endless loop of Baby Shark!
Buying - Addy recently asked for a new Bible to replace the pink butterfly edition she received when she was five. She picked out this beauty and Elsie found a similar one to follow suit! I love that these girls are wanting to take ownership of their faith, memorize scripture, and find ways to apply it!
Making - More like painting. We recently painted our dining room this color and I’m obsessed. Loving the dark walls with pops of white and light wood. Gotta update that terrible 90’s light next!
Thank you for reading! A big announcement is on the way and I’d hate for you to miss it!
So, if you’ve enjoyed this week’s newsletter and want to see more content like this, consider becoming a subscriber!