I woke up last Sunday morning, just as I do everyday, with the sound of a thousand tiny shrieks of joy coming from my three year old. “Mommy, get up! Mommy wake up! I want to play dress up.” I’m not exactly sure how often I sleep in anymore, it’s so rare that today 9:30 felt like noon…
I reached over, grabbed my phone and saw a text from a long-time friend saying that she was driving through Nashville on her way to Florida. As it turned out, later that evening I found myself in her car on my way to Florida as well.
Was this planned? No.
Had I thought this through, and specifically allotted three days of my week for rejuvenation? Not exactly.
So why am I writing a blog post about this? Because there is a principle, we type A-over planning-calendar loving people must learn to embrace…
Leave enough room for the SPONTANEOUS, it’s in those suddenly and unexpected moments you will find joy!
In less than 2 weeks I will be boarding a plane with my husband and 2 kids to fly across the Atlantic and live as Missionaries in England for 3 months. I have labored over the details of this adventure, tirelessly ensuring personal things will be taken care of before we depart and arrangements are on point for when we arrive.
Often times we can get so caught up in the planning and preparing, that we forget to pause and embrace the divine moments God intended for us to live in. I encourage you today, if you’re like me and find an oh-so-glorious love in the details of properly executing your To-Do List and crossing each detail off with a fine-tip sharpie… stop for just a moment.
You may not be breathing in the salty fresh ocean air that wafts over you as you lay in the warm sun on this Florida beach… but wherever you are, embrace the now. Breathe deep. Live in that moment God has placed you in. Lift your head, look around at those he has placed in your life and take time for these intentional relationships.
And please… always remember to use pencil when marking your calendar.
chroniclesofgraceandglory.com 
“In less than 2 weeks I will be boarding a plane with my husband and 2 kids to fly across the Atlantic and live as Missionaries in England for 3 months.” Hey Brynn, we are looking forward to your arrival and even as I write cleaning the oven in readiness ha ha. Oh the joys of planning and endless lists as we work through decorating, repairing and vacating in readiness! Whew the roofer has almost finished and hopefully we will get to work on the garden before you arrive. We will be close at hand to help with your settling in and as we have six adult children and 15 grandchildren (no longer living with us thankfully) we are old hands at moving out into our mobile home (do you call them trailers?) when they all descend at Christmas and looking after them as necessary. It will be fun! The greyhound, the cat and the chickens will also be on hand – but in their own bit of the garden so no bother to you but the children will no doubt get to enjoy them. Spring is just about here but warm coats advised! We are 20 minutes drive from central Norwich, 25 minutes drive from sandy beaches so plenty of places to be spontaneous in heh heh. Charlie may have shown you the photos he took of the views from the house. Beautiful countryside just coming into leaf now. Let me know if there is anything you would like me to stock up with for you. There are local shops about two miles away in the village. Supermarkets are a bit further away. Any questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Adventure awaits YAY. Love, Maddy.
Oh Maddy! I am so excited to hear all of this wonderful news! I haven’t seen any photos yet, you could private email me at brynnshamp@yahoo.com if you’d like!! Looking forward to meeting you and thank you so much!
Dear Brynn, my name is Frances Cheer and I am also on the Heartbeat team,as is Maddy and Cathy,Alan’s wife. We all really want to welcome you .We’re really looking forward to you arriving.It will be great to meet after
praying for you all. It will be really nice to show you some parts of the lovely
Norfolk and Suffolk countryside and attractions when perhaps Charlie is away. Please free to email me anytime .
P.S Maddy is my best friend and praying partner.
Love Frances xx
Thank you so much Frances!!