Issue 001: Welcome to Late to the Party!
Dear Friend,
When I was in high school, my family would wait in the van while I scrambled to swipe on mascara, wipe toothpaste from my chin, and find matching shoes before flying out the door for church. During brutal Michigan winters, school days started with me frantically scraping ice off of my windshield (which I could barely reach #truckproblems) before driving as close to the speed limit as possible in order to get to class on time. I was not regularly tardy, but I was never early.
My roommates in college recognized this pattern and lovingly nicknamed the few minutes before I left for campus "The Scramble." I'd get into a frenzy rushing around the house, tossing essentials into my bag before putting some Justin Timberlake on my iPod and trying not to get too sweaty while speedwalking to campus.
Fifteen years later, The Scramble doesn't look all that different; there are just more people involved. I race around locating burp cloths, diapers, snacks, and water bottles for a bunch of little people, all while *encouraging* them to please put on their shoes and please use the potty and please don't touch your sister. Then there's the whole strapping everyone into their car seats thing.
Honestly, there are plenty of times when we are so far behind and I'm so sweaty and frazzled that I want to call it quits. I would rather miss out on the playdate/church service/shopping trip than show up late (and sweaty and flustered).
As we move closer to a world without social distancing, I've been thinking a lot about The Scramble. We added another child to our family in 2020, and I haven't been out and about much since Sweet T was born. I know that getting out the door on time is going to be a challenge. I also know that that the temptation to quit and stay home will be there, lurking.
In those moments when giving up seems like the best option, I want to remember that I've always been happy with my decision to show up. Whether it's showing up for a class, a Bible study, or to hang out with a friend, showing up at all, even if I'm late, forces me to push through discomfort and honor my commitments.
I have been late to literal parties, to exploring writing as a hobby, and to wearing high-waisted jeans (I'm hoarding them now in case low-waisted becomes a thing again). I'm sure the future will be no different. Maybe you can relate. Are there places (real and metaphorical) you should visit but you can't quite get out the door? If so, you're not alone.
If you find yourself doing some version of The Scramble, keep going. Get out the door. Get in the car. Show up late with your head held high. For me, getting this note into your inbox is one way I am showing up. Thank you for being a part of that through your support and encouragement.
Here's to better late than never; let's be late to the party together, and when we get there, let's dance.
Journal Prompts
In what way have you shown up for yourself this week?
In what way do you show up for others in your life?
What is holding you back from showing up right now?