Living with Loren

Heyyy y’all!

I know it has been about a month. Life has been busy, and you already know how wearing multiple hats can pull you in different directions. Still, we do what we must.

Yesterday, we celebrated Gwennie’s very first birthday. Let me tell you, it was my absolute pleasure to work until the teeniest joints in my body were tired. This morning, I woke up singing, “He has done great things!” Psalm 126:3. The psalmist was a wonder with the pen because I could not have said it better myself.

Like with any event, there were hiccups and cancellations, it comes with the territory. We had thunderstorms, a few unexpected mishaps, and even had to push the party time back due to venue changes. At the start of the party, Gwennie was sleepy and not quite herself. But after a little while, she got into the moment. She talked, she laughed, she smiled, she lived! And in that moment, I thought, wow, she teaches me how to live in the moment. Life for us has just begun.

As I looked around the room, I saw the beautiful balloon display, not just as individual parts, but for the first time in its entirety. I noticed the hand-painted birthday sign, the custom treats and favors, and the shades of pink woven through the décor. I smelled the sweetness of barbecue sauce on the meatballs and the goodness of fried chicken from the chicken bites. I heard laughter ringing from every side: kids and adults alike. In that moment, I felt immense gratitude.

Still, I caught myself reflecting. At first, I noticed what was missing: for me, for her, for the party, even in life. But then it hit me: her first year has flown by, and I have truly enjoyed every second. Why? Because I allowed myself to live in our moments, not anyone else’s.

So I self-corrected right there, stopped dwelling on the “what ifs” and “what shoulds,” and leaned into the “what’s happening.” And what was happening was beautiful. My baby is loved, she is covered, she lives in abundance—and it showed.

Do not waste your time on what does not matter or on those who do not show up. Love what you have. Appreciate who is there. Live in the moments you are given because time is fleeting, and you can not get it back.

Paul said it best: be content in any and every situation.

So, wish my girl a Happy Belated Birthday, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday! Just like my baby girl shook off her sleepiness and stepped into joy, I’m reminded to do the same with life, let go of what weighs me down, wake up to the moment, and live it fully.

Until Next Time,

Keep Living!

Love, Loren