The past two weeks have been a whirlwind.

Which is why I’m so thankful to have a 48-hour retreat with the staff from our church. Perfect timing to pause the whirlwind, to connect with God and others, to enjoy the fresh mountain air (and rain)!

The launch of Mint Thrift on April 8th went incredibly well, but the day was full… from waking up to see our family vehicle had been in a hit-and-run, to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, to an IEP meeting for our oldest son, to celebrating our 12-year-old son’s birthday.

The next day our whole family helped at Mint Thrift… it was amazing, but we were tired! And my four kids were officially on Spring Break… for two weeks!

The following Monday, after a meeting with my boss, we decided to move me over to Mint Thrift to devote my hours there. I was very excited (and still am!) to be a part of the new thrift store. So I’ve been there every day (with the exception of the days we’re closed, and today)!

There was also some prep to do this last week for the “Staff Retreatment” (what my youngest has been calling it). Needless to say, I’ve been feeling a bit stretched. The usual overwhelm when life gets busy, but also the pressure to get it all done.

Until I realized that I can’t.

I don’t think I’m Wonder Woman. I do think sometimes I overcommit. I don’t think I can (or should) do everything. Even if the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Because I’m not perfect. And I still fail.

So this is me, showing up on a Friday to bring you a blog. It was supposed to be done Wednesday, and it wasn’t. And I felt too defeated yesterday to post anything.

But today’s a new day. And I want to keep showing up. In the mess, in the stress, in the joy, in the beauty.

I choose courage in the face of defeat. I choose to move forward when it feels like I’ve failed. And I know it might seem silly or trivial – missing a blog – but to me, it matters. It’s one of my passions. I don’t think I’ve missed a week for the past 2 or 3 years.

This season is teaching me that sometimes we can’t do it all. And that’s okay.

Psalm 27:8 has been on my heart throughout this whirlwind:

“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

His invitation stands, even when we fall short. His grace is enough, even when we can’t feel it. He waits for us patiently, even when we’re distracted and busy.

God calls us to spend time with Him. Draw near to Him. Come be with Him. Talk to Him, cry to Him, sing to Him. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re struggling with – He’s there for you. And He loves you so much. Run to His arms and rest. Take up space in His presence.

Share the joys and the pains with Him. He is with you always. And in those times of weakness, He is strength for us. We don’t have to manufacture it or fake it. We can trust that His power is made perfect in our shortcomings.

Remember that His love is unconditional; it’s limitless. You are worthy to receive it. Be brave enough to believe it.

I’m praying for you, that you choose courage to do the things you can do, instead of being discouraged by what you can’t do.