It’s been a while since I have shared what’s been on my heart with you. I feel that I now can share what has been on my heart and hope that this will encourage you. This is a different time that we are all facing. The country is dealing with COVID-19 and our way of life has been altered. But it has caused me to think about parts of my life where I have wanted to change but haven’t taken the step to create change.

I’ve prayed over the past year for God to give me more time with my daughter Sofia. Now I had no clue how that could happen when I work a full time job, single mother, teaching, soccer and all the other extracurricular activities that come along with having a six year old child. I would have never imagined that God would answer my prayer…. in a way that I didn’t see coming. The impact COVID-19 has had on the country and in North Texas with school/day care closures it brought my life to a halt. How or what is this new norm going to look like? I would have never imagined God would give me this time that I have so desperately wanted.

Last week I had the opportunity to work remote and teach Sofia from home. I was going to spend the entire week with her from morning till evening. What was I getting myself into? Let me just say….kudos to all the mom’s that home school their kids! Now it was a transition for both of us but one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I learned so many things about Sofia that I never knew. Things that I begin to understand about her personality and saw her beautiful spirit in a different way. To see her smile that I was teaching her and being able to cook dinner each night. Something I rarely get to do but I was given the gift of “time” back and I wasn’t going to waste a moment of it. She even said one evening ” Mom this is the best dinner! If I had money I would tip you!” I started to laugh and in that moment I haven’t laughed like that in a while.

Now don’t think that this was an easy week… I will be honest many times I thought “What did I get myself into?” But when I step back and see how one week changed my perspective and in a way my life. You see, if I am honest with you, I struggle with balance in my life. I have put my career, responsibilities, goals/aspirations before my family many times and something that I knew I had to change. If I don’t invest in Sofia, who will? Is it worth the next promotion? The next degree? If I lose out on the most precious gift God has entrusted me with and lose her…. What does it matter in the end?

I can’t get back the time that I have lost BUT I can change where I put my focus. This time that God has given me is a blessing in disguise. He was already in the background orchestrating this time for me to spend with Sofia. Isn’t it just like God to answer in His perfect timing. Maybe not in the way we wanted or asked for but His timing is always perfect.

Where are you in your life? Are you wanting a change but haven’t made that first step? Do you want to be a better mom/dad? Do you need to forgive someone who hurt you?   Do you need to change your focus? Do you need to work on self-care? Do you need to pick up the phone and make that phone call to someone who you need to just say sorry to? Where ever you are take this moment to realize that you have been given back TIME. In this turbulent time in our country we now can SLOW down and shift our focus. But YOU have to WANT to make that change. Are you ready? I know I am and excited for what doors God is going to open. I know I have to let go of somethings in order to walk in the fullness that He wants for me.

Isaiah 41:10 

“Do not fear, for I am with You; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous hand.”

I love this beautiful reminder that God is here with us. He meets us right where we are in the mess and broken parts of our life. Remember He is there with you.