This place. This time.

Wrapping up my sixth week at my new job on Friday felt like turning a corner—starting to find my footing in new systems, structures, schedules, people and work culture.

I’ve become painfully aware the past few weeks how much I cherish my routines—my morning rituals, daily step goals, creative time and evening routine. This week, I had to release many of those to adjust to an earlier start time on an Eastern time zone and work at a slower pace as I muddle through new assignments.

So it felt like a deep inhale on Thursday evening to retreat to my peaceful place. I drove a few miles south, found an old barn and enjoyed my monthly practice of watching the full moon rise. 

We are studying Esther this month at work, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible. 

“For who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Mordecai asks the ordinary girl who became queen in that famous passage, Esther 4:14.

Here we are. At this place. At this time. 

I never lose my sense of awe when gazing at the moon as it emerges over the horizon. Each time, I try to comprehend my tiny place in the galaxy and across millenia. It’s a humbling reminder not to take for granted even small opportunities I’ve been given to use my gifts to be part of a purpose and mission that’s bigger than anything I could do alone. 

As I navigate the ins and outs of a new role, I’m hoping to regain my rhythm with my daily routines soon. But looking at this photo I took a few nights ago filled me with gratitude—for the day by day, as well as the big picture we’re all part of.