learning to let go

I am glad that it’s October.

Yes, I know that October brings us one month closer to winter, and for those of you who live in the frozen northern lands like me that means snow, but I really am grateful for a new start. Somehow when I flip the calendar over and see the month — the new month — it fills me with hope and opportunity.

You see, September was hard. September didn’t go as planned. Our family was sick most of the month. When you have a family of nine a long lasting cold really becomes a long lasting cold. And things didn’t get done. Including my September post for 5 Minutes for Faith. It was on my schedule, but then the very cute orange schedule book remained on top of my kitchen cabinet for weeks.

These weren’t my plans.

I had planned to start our homeschool year ahead — with plans photocopied, and trips to the orchard, and nature walks. I had planned to have my meals scheduled and shopping lists prepped. I had planned to stay ahead on my laundry. Wait. That’s always my plan, but somehow that one never seems to work. I had planned to keep on top of my blog writing — get my posts done, add some extras, and more. I had planned to have the kids join different groups and have weekly park days. I had planned to get up early.

My plans didn’t happen.

Instead my September was full of trips to the doctor, neb treatments, and more trips to the doctor. It was making chicken noodle soup and reading with a couch full of littles who coughed away. It was of gathering leaves and bringing them indoors for everyone to admire. It was of writing in the wee hours of the morning, and apologizing for being behind.

I could have been upset. Irritated. Annoyed. I could sit in overwhelm. In feeling behind.

But, I’ve chosen not to. You see, the Lord knew my September even before I ventured into September. He has my days written on the palm of His hand. He knows me. He knows my children. Even in those times that don’t go as we plan we can still honor Him and bring glory to His name. I had to surrender my agenda and adopt the new plan. The day to day, moment by moment plan.

And it was good.

The Lord honored those chicken noodle soup days in September.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24 NIV

How about you? Have you had those seasons in life where you know you just need to let go of those plans and rest in the day to day?

11 Responses to learning to let go
  1. Whitney
    October 6, 2011 | 9:03 am

    Beautiful post Rachel! Yes we have lots of times like that especially lately. I think God is trying to work in our family right now in things we choose to not acknowledge…like we need to let go and allow him to guide us all through those trying weeks.

    • Rachel
      October 12, 2011 | 8:59 am

      I’ll pray for you Whitney. Sometimes we just have to let go so that we can grow.

  2. Kate Briles
    October 6, 2011 | 9:08 am

    This comes at a good time for me, Rachel … I’ve messed up my knee, I’m behind on tasks (perpetually), and I’ve been fighting discouragement because of it all. But, as you said, the Lord knows my days before I know them. Thanks for the encouragement.

    • Rachel
      October 12, 2011 | 8:58 am

      Ah, Kate, you are such a friend. Thank YOU in return for YOUR encouraging words.

  3. […] And with change comes adjustment….and adjustment is not always easy.I found a post called Learning to Let Go on our sister site, 5 Minutes for Faith this week. Writer Rachel Martin, who blogs at Finding Joy, […]

    • Rachel
      October 12, 2011 | 8:58 am

      Very cool — thanks for linking to this post about my heart!

  4. Mozi Esmes Mom
    October 8, 2011 | 6:33 pm

    Exactly what I need to read right now. Thank you!

    • Rachel
      October 12, 2011 | 8:57 am

      You are welcome!

  5. Theodora
    October 9, 2011 | 12:36 pm

    I loved this post. I have a daughter who is just 3.5 years old. We always have a tough time adjusting after the summer, it’s a long summer with late nights and lazy mornings but just like you said God has a plan. I believe this and it has kept me going through all the various life changing experiences and day to day adversities that encompass being a parent. Mother to seven children and homeschooling? How do you do it? It’s amazing that you do…we are contemplating having a second and I am overwhelmed any tips for us?

    • Rachel
      October 12, 2011 | 8:57 am

      Theodora – You are in one of the most tiring seasons of motherhood. Seriously. When my little ones were under five I was exhausted and worn all the time. Toddlers and preschoolers demand constant energy and it felt as if I could never get my head above water for any length of time. But, here’s the deal, they grow. That sweet 3.5 year old will continue to become more independent — you can do it. Having the second is easier as well — you know how to handle babies, you know what to expect, you know that sleepless nights will come and that they will {most times} end.

      It’s really God’s grace that keeps me going.

      I’d love to chat with you more — so feel free to email back. 🙂

      God’s blessings!

  6. Carol Hatcher
    October 17, 2011 | 9:57 am

    Beautiful! And so true. I loved these words – “You see, the Lord knew my September even before I ventured into September. He has my days written on the palm of His hand.”

    What incredible strength I can draw from knowing God already knows all my days. There are no surprises with God.

    Thank you for this!