Find the Time: A Reflection on Faith, Hard Seasons, and What Matters Most
I was sorting through some old journals and papers the other day when I came across this note. I wrote it some time ago, though I do not remember exactly when. I am not even sure if it is attributed to anyone. I guess at the time these were words I needed to hear for myself.
Reading it now, it touched my heart.
As I write this, I am just shy of 59 years old. When I was 39, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Our oldest had just graduated from high school, and our youngest was still in grade school. Those were heavy days filled with uncertainty and fear. And yet, step by step, we walked through them. I lived.
When I reflect on that season of life, I see how deeply that experience shaped me. When we are faced with hard things, we are given a choice in how we respond and how we move forward. By the grace of God, I was given the chance to grow through that season and to discover a deeper joy in life.
There are still many days when I stumble and need to find my footing again. I suspect this note was written on one of those days. It feels like a reminder to pause, to breathe, and to make space for the simple things that matter most.
“FIND THE TIME
the time to read
to smell the flowers
to paint your dreams
to have coffee with a friend
to learn a new craft
to write a letter
to bake a surprise cake
to go somewhere special
to REALLY be with the person you love
or even to do nothing
for a while...
”
In a world that urges us to hurry and fill every moment, choosing to slow down can feel almost impossible. But I have learned that in the pauses we allow ourselves to take is where we actually can hear God. When we find the time to rest, to notice, and to be present, we are gently reminded that we are held, guided, and never walking alone.
Thank you for being here, it truly means so much. As always, I invite you to share in the comments below.
With love,
Loralie