Trusting God to Guide Every Step
Welcome, August!
Summer is still in full swing. The days are warm, the sun is shining, and there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer. Yet, if we pay attention, we can see the signs that a new season is approaching. The days are gradually growing shorter, children and teachers are preparing to head back to school, and before long, autumn will be knocking at our door.
As for me...I get a couple of weeks off from my paralegal classes before they resume later this month. I have to admit, I'm looking forward to the break.
Sometimes it feels like there simply aren't enough hours in the day—or enough days in the week. Between work, school, creating handcrafted gifts, preparing for vendor events, filling custom orders, and trying to keep up with everyday life, my to-do list seems to grow faster than I can cross things off.
That's when I know it's time to slow down, enjoy the season, and simply take a deep breath.
In those moments, I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and ask God to take over. I remind myself that I don't have to have every answer or control every outcome. I simply need to trust the One who does.
I'm reminded of the beautiful poem Footprints in the Sand. I love the image of footprints stretching along the water's edge. The poem reminds us that when we think we are walking alone, those single set of footprints are often the moments when God is carrying us. Sometimes He carries us through difficult seasons. Other times, He places just the right people in our lives to help us along the way. Either way, His plan is always better than my own.
This weekend, God gave me another reminder to trust Him.
On Friday, I found myself checking the weather forecast over and over again. The forecast called for rain and thunderstorms on Saturday with what seemed like absolute certainty. I had already signed up and paid to be a vendor at Summer Fest, and I was really looking forward to the event. I knew it would be well attended—if only the weather would cooperate.
Saturday morning, I woke up and immediately checked my messages. No cancellations.
I got ready, looked at the weather radar one more time, and headed to the event. I was still nervous. As I set up my booth, I added a couple of sidewalls to my canopy just in case the rain decided to move in.
Then the event opened.
People came. They shopped. We visited. I shared my handcrafted creations, handed out business cards, and met so many wonderful people throughout the day.
And the rain?
We made it through the entire event with only a few sprinkles.
As I drove home, I couldn't help but smile. I had spent so much time worrying about what might happen that I almost missed the excitement of what God had already planned. He knew the weather. He knew who would stop by my booth. He knew every conversation I would have and every sale I would make.
God is so good.
Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be organizing my craft room, working on custom orders, creating inventory for upcoming vendor events, and enjoying a brief break before classes begin again. There is still plenty to do, but I'm choosing to take it one day at a time, trusting God to guide each step.
As I prepare for another busy season, these words from Scripture will stay close to my heart:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Whatever August holds for you, I pray you'll find moments to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that you don't have to carry every burden alone. Whether God is walking beside you, carrying you through a difficult season, or sending someone to lend a helping hand, He is faithful.
So, welcome, August. I'm ready to embrace this new month with gratitude, faith, and the confidence that God is guiding every step of the way.
Wishing you a month filled with sunshine, peace, and many unexpected blessings.
God bless, Aimee
