Hello there!

The weather is shifting to that cool, nippy kind that makes me consider long sleeves, but still requires sunglasses. My walks outside have been less sweaty and more brisk. We’re reaching fall, folks!

With fall usually come transitions and new beginnings. The last week has contained a whirlwind of to-dos and events to welcome a fresh calendar: on Thursday my new small group met for the first time; at work on Friday we celebrated our rebranding; and on Saturday my roommates and I hosted a housewarming party (better a few months late than never, right?). My church also launched our new ministry year this Sunday. So many occasions for food, friends, and fun!

All these events made me busy, but last Wednesday night, I finally completed a task that gnawed at me for weeks: consolidating my calendar for the semester.

Disclaimer: I’m not a planner by default. When I’m most comfortable, I like taking things as they come instead of micromanaging or scripting everything. In fact, I usually delay this appointment with myself for a long time before gathering courage to look at my commitments for the coming months.

But when I sit down to prep my personal planner, there’s something in me that settles. In the few marks of a pen, my outlook for the semester evolves from abstract nervousness to relieved optimism. I think there’s something to be said about knowing what I’m facing and mapping out the timeline instead of hyping up my stress level.

How can I not get excited when I write in game days for my team? I’m entering my second year as an assistant varsity basketball coach for high school girls, and I feel more confident with my first round complete. My relationships with the girls are stronger, so I’m jazzed for them and their season, not just myself. Writing game times with green pen gets my blood flowing as I relive the adrenaline of competition.

Why shouldn’t I grow hopeful as I outline the study plan for my small group? This group of women (including me!) met last Thursday. As we shared about ourselves, it became clear that we all seem to be in new territory: this is my first time leading an all-women group, while others are stepping out of leadership for the first time in a while. Each of us is ready for deeper study of the Bible, and we can’t wait to see what God does with and through us. We enter this little community with open hands and expectant hearts.

Among all the dates and schedules, I also get to revel in a new living situation with new friends. Our party last week blessed us in so many ways, but it was surprisingly fun to tackle the project of hosting together. I learned so much about and with these women as we shopped, cleaned, arranged, and even prepared music to perform for our guests. We giggled together at several points leading up to the party. For all the games that require coaching and small group nights that need leading, I’m grateful for the chance to come home to a cadence of life that renews my joy.

So, right now, I’m a calm kind of eager. I see just enough of the plans to do my due diligence in prep and prayer, and I know enough to say that the plans are just that: plans. Holding them too tightly moves my trust from God to my own ability to control, and that never ends well. I’m determined to manage this agenda with a loose grip.

What about you: do you have a favorite routine to prepare for the new semester or year? What are you looking forward to?

Thanks for reading,

Bekah

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