You Don't Have to Start Over—Just Start Again

Have you ever had one of those weeks where life completely changes your plans? That has been my week. The other day mom called and said they were on the way to the hospital because they thought my father in law was having a heart attack. Then the week just went downhill from there.

Between preparing for my father-in-law’s passing and making the arrangements for his funeral, and getting everything ready for David’s birthday in just a few days, to trying to keep our home running, and keeping up with my blog, and making sure Charlie and Granny Sherry David’s mom was okay some of the routines I’d been working so hard to build quietly slipped away.

This morning, I realized something important. I didn’t quit. I just got off track. I had to make sure David and his mom had the things they needed. Make sure Gerald and Charlie had food. Take care of the dogs and make phone calls so my usual routine went out the door but that was okay because my family needed me.

I wanted you to know there’s a big difference between giving up and simply stumbling along the way. As I sat down this morning with my cup of coffee, I started thinking about all the little things I wanted to get back to doing. Drinking more water. Getting my daily walk in. Checking Swagbucks every day again. Making healthier choices.

Writing meaningful articles that encourage others. None of those goals disappeared. Life simply became heavier for a little while. The wonderful thing about today is that I don’t have to wait until Monday, the first of the month, or August 1st to begin again.

I can start today. Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect that we forget progress is made one choice at a time. One glass of water. One walk around the neighborhood or through the pool. One healthy meal. One article written. One survey completed. One prayer whispered to the Lord.

Those little choices add up. As I thought about the past few days, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. When we rushed to the hospital the other day, we were in such a hurry that I forgot my sweater. If you know me, you know I get cold at the drop of a hat. We got there, and the first thing I realized was that I had also forgotten my water.

Then we discovered David had forgotten to grab any change for the vending machines. There I was trying to figure out how I was going to get something to drink while wishing I had remembered my sweater. What touched my heart the most was my mother-in-law. Even though she was worried about my father-in-law, she was more concerned that I was cold

. She wanted to leave the hospital and go home just to bring me a jacket. I kept telling her I’d be just fine. Before either of us could worry much longer, Charlie smiled and said, “Mom, just go sit in my car and turn the heater on. It’ll be okay.” Problem solved. Reminding me again what a kind caring young man Granny and I raised.

That moment reminded me that even when life feels overwhelming, God has a way of providing exactly what we need through the people He places in our lives. Sometimes it’s a warm jacket. Sometimes it’s a ride. Sometimes it’s a simple solution we never even thought about. Sometimes it’s just knowing someone cares.

The truth is, life doesn’t stop because we’re grieving. Birthdays still come. Bills still need to be paid. Dinner still has to be made. Laundry still piles up. And somehow, in the middle of all of it, we have to remember to take care of ourselves too. That means resting when we need to and not feeling guilty if something doesn’t get done it will be okay.

So today, I’m making a choice. Today I had planned on drinking my water but the LORD had other plans for me because not only as I out of the bottled Water we drink because the tap Water isn’t safe I’, also out of Milo’s Sweet Tea. Instead of running to the store I’m not going to worry about it.

I will have David stop on his way home and then I will drink my water. It might not be as much as I needed but it will be something and that is what counts. Today I’m getting my walk in even if its only 10 minutes because each step counts as long as I try.

Today I’m opening Swagbucks again. I may be way behind on my goal and at the end of the year have made only $100 that is a $100 I didn’t have and I will be thankful for it. Today I’m writing and getting reviews up and checking emails and believing in new work coming in. Today I’m choosing progress instead of perfection.

Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

What a beautiful reminder that every single morning is another opportunity to begin again. My pantry may be missing the seasoning I wanted. My schedule may not have gone according to plan. Life may be a little messy right now. But God has been faithful through every bit of it. Today, I’m simply choosing to take the next step.

Looking back over these past few days, I realize I was never walking alone. The Lord surrounded me with family and friends who stepped in without being asked. A mother-in-law who worried about my sweater while carrying the weight of her own concerns. A son who found a simple solution when I was focused on everything I’d forgotten. A husband who continues to work hard and love his family, even when life is anything but easy.

Life isn’t perfect, and neither am I. But every new morning is another chance to begin again. And that is why I am Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed for everything the Lord brings into my life.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates