Last week, we spent a few days away from home for a meetup with our son and his family. It was a welcome and much-needed break from the usual routine of gardening, canning and freezing, rushing to meet writing deadlines, and watching the dust settle throughout our home, layer by layer, on the furniture and floors.

In many ways, the trip felt like an unexpected writer’s retreat. Everywhere I turned, stories kept coming, inspired by the simplest things:

• The joy on my grandkids’ faces echoed in their sweet voices when their daddy walked into the room.
• The look of awe on my grandson’s face as he pointed at an airplane taking off from the nearby airport.
• Hotel workers who went out of their way to serve and speak kind words.
• The blooms on an old magnolia tree in the hotel parking lot reminding me a new season is coming soon.
• The steady hum of traffic, always going and coming.
• Hearing my name, Mimi, spoken with a thousand questions over the few days we were together. Each time, it was as refreshing as a cool summer breeze on a hot southern day.
• My granddaughter at lunch one day, eating cheese dip like it was ice cream. Later that same day, she ate a bowl of Oreo cookie ice cream as if it were cheese dip. It reminded me how quickly life can change and how there’s still goodness in where you are and what you are doing.

One afternoon, I stood by our hotel window and watched dark clouds roll in and push the sun out of the way, as if saying, “It’s my turn.” It began with a sprinkle, then came heavy raindrops sliding down the windowpane. Suddenly, a flash of lightning in the distance split the sky. Moments like these remind me why I write—to capture life in the quiet, the sudden, and everything in between.

Throughout our time together, the experience of ordinary moments reminded me that rest and reflection are not distractions from life but part of its design.

Sometimes the most meaningful inspiration comes when we pause long enough to notice what’s right in front of us.

Reflective Questions To Ask Ourselves

• When was the last time we paused to truly notice the ordinary beauty around us?
• How has God spoken to you through simple, everyday moments lately?
• What does “being still” before God look like in your current season of life?

Let’s Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of stillness and the beauty hidden in ordinary days. Help us to slow down and recognize Your presence in the quiet moments, in laughter, in change, and even in the unexpected. Open our hearts to the inspiration You offer daily, and remind us that rest is not wasted, but it’s a time we meet with You on holy ground. Teach us to be still and know that You are God.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Follow the link to my bookshop where you will see details about my book, Harvest: Recipes, Stories, and Memories of a Southern Family Heritage. 250+ recipes and read more about simpler days and times. Recipes of our family favorites are in the book, including No-bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies and oatmeal cookies that are a favorite of my grandson.

Enjoy the song by Cece Winans, Not Yet Finished. This song emphasizes God’s ongoing work in us, breathing life into stories we didn’t expect. It captures the hope and trust in God’s writing of our lives, even in the quiet, unexpected moments. The message of this song encourages reflection on patience, faith, and surrender to God’s perfect timing.