I asked my son if he felt a little nervous. We were on our way to the high school for his first orientation and were just about to turn onto the campus. He shot me a smile and a sideways glance and said "yep." He pressed his hand to his stomach as if to quell the butterflies.


Oh, how I remember that feeling! Especially when the first day of school meant going to a new campus or, even worse, a whole new school district! And as we watch our children navigate through new territories, or as we start new adventures ourselves...those jitters are all too real.

I've been thinking of those of you who are embarking on a new chapter of life. From young college women, to newlyweds, to brand new moms, to moms who have started a homeschool year to those who sent their off children to school, many of us are experiencing those fluttery feelings all over again. A new job or a new town can really get those tummy butterflies moving!

Whenever I've started something new, I've been tempted to turn right back around and run back to the familiar way things used to be. Those nerves kick in and then the fear of the unknown starts to work its mojo and I feel paralyzed. What if THIS happens, or THAT happens? What if this is a big mistake? Oh no, this is going to be awful.

Today, take a deep breath. Since you're already breathing, this just can't get any easier!

What I mean by "deep breath" is to pause for a few moments to reflect on the marvelous God who has brought you this far. Look back at the journey you've traveled with Him and remember His goodness and faithfulness. Even in the roughest of times, He has never left you or let you down. He has guided you, picked you up when you've fallen and sent you angels in disguise when you've needed them.

He is with you right now.

See, the Lord is writing your story, and no story is complete without some drama. Some moments of "how will this ever turn out?" questions. But He is the Master Author, and knows how to end each chapter so that you just have to keep going to find out what happens next. He purposefully puts twists and turns into the plot so that we'll continue to trust Him and grow in our faith. So that we stay dependent on Him. Is that where you are at right now?

Psalm 32:8 says, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

I love knowing that the Lord is watching over me and writing my story. I love knowing that He is watching over my children and writing THEIR stories, too. There is great comfort in that. It means that even when we can't see how this chapter will end, He is guiding us along to an exciting finish.


It will be the best story ever.
Rachel Anne
Take a pause in the action today and focus on trusting the Author and Finisher of your faith. Close out the rushing world for 10 minutes if you can, and remind yourself of His faithful guidance and watchful care. What would you title the current "chapter" of your life?