A Season of Simple

Choosing a calendar for the year is one of my favorite things! I look at each design option, each page and schedule layout, thinking through what’s ahead and what will work best for me. I like being busy and organized. I’ve prided myself on knowing what’s coming and planning ahead.

This year I discovered that Marshall’s sells an assortment of calendars—including one of my favorite brands. So I began the decision process... Here’s a calendar with the schedule layout I like, but I don’t really like the cover. I love that cover, but the page layout is too busy. What’s ahead for this year? My day is currently scheduled by “before nap” and “after nap.” This season doesn’t require the fancy layouts I’ve had before and I was somewhat disappointed by the thought.

I’m drawn to a hand-sized calendar with a simple layout—no lists, nothing fancy. It’s white with gold polka dots and inside is a weekly layout, simple blocks for each day. After some deliberation, I sense God’s presence and I hear Him speak to me, “Embrace this season of simple.”

I’m so thankful for this precious time as just “Mommy and Joseph,” acutely aware that my going back to work would have been very stressful at this stage. But I also feel lonely and unsure of how to structure my time. “Embrace this season of simple” has become a calling, an affirmation that I’m exactly where God wants me. A few months ago I could not have foreseen all that would unfold this Summer, but I’m so thankful that God goes before us, that He ordains our days.

The God-Centered Mom podcast closes with this sentiment and I’d like to as well. I tear up each time I hear it as I’m working to believe and live it. “I want you to really understand and know that God is just as present when you are washing dishes at your kitchen sink as when you are worshiping Him in a church pew. He sees your service to your family and He is pleased.”