Women’s Devotion: September Anticipation
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Every year as we enter the month of September I am always excited. This is easily my favorite time of year, as I eagerly anticipate so many things about it, such as cooler weather, harvest season on the farm, eating chili and cinnamon rolls, cheering for Husker Volleyball, wearing cozy sweaters and decorating our porch with mums and pumpkins. I also feel a renewed energy in getting our family calendar scheduled out for the next months and settling into our post-summer routine.
Despite being filled with joy and truly so excited, if I’m being honest with myself, I’m finding myself also feeling some conflicting emotions with doubt sneakily creeping in. In reality, our calendar looks very full. Our kids are attending a new school this year. I’m wondering what happens when the hard moments come when things don’t go quite as well as I’m hoping or praying about. I hope I can be strong enough to navigate the inevitable challenges.
But, rather than getting stuck in worry, I’m giving myself a little grace in remembering that it is ok to feel multiple emotions at once. I can feel so excited for my children and their new classrooms and new school-year activities, but also nervous while we navigate it. I can feel overwhelmed while also remaining hopeful.
Despite taking solo credit for all the upcoming experiences this season has to offer, I often need reminders and nudges that this isn’t really all up to me after all, as God has already prepared this season for my family and I and for all of us.
Bringing this back to my focus helps me take a deep breath, release some anxiousness, and return to my joyful anticipation of September and beyond. My favorite season that I can enjoy to the fullest when I give thanks to God and keep him as the focus.
This month’s devotion is written by Kristin Blomendahl. Kristin, a member of the Sheridan Women’s Ministry Team, lives in Lincoln with her husband Ben, son Max (4th grader), and daughter Shelby (1st grader). Kristin and Ben were both raised on family farms in Northeast Nebraska, attended UNL, were married at Sheridan in 2010, and then pursued their careers living in California and Maryland before moving back home to “The Good Life” to raise their family.