Life has a funny way of interrupting our best-laid plans, doesn’t it? One moment, everything is running smoothly—your routines are in place, schedules are followed, and your to-do list is actually getting done. And then, suddenly, life throws a curveball.
For me, it happened recently when both of my parents were hospitalized at the same time. In an instant, my podcast, blog, and business—all things I had worked so hard to keep on schedule—had to take a backseat. Without hesitation, I extended my stay and spent the next couple of weeks focused entirely on my family. And when I finally returned home? My well-oiled machine of productivity felt like it had come to a grinding halt. Everything was behind, and catching up felt overwhelming.
Maybe you’ve been there, too. Whether it’s an unexpected illness, a family crisis, or just a season of unexpected chaos, disruptions happen. So how do we navigate these seasons and find our way back without drowning in guilt or frustration?
1. Acknowledge That Life Happens
First things first—let’s state the obvious: life will always be unpredictable. We can plan, schedule, and organize, but we are not in control of the unexpected. And that’s okay. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Some seasons are for productivity and growth, while others are for pausing, caring, and simply making it through the day. Recognizing that interruptions do not equal failure is the first step to giving ourselves grace.
2. Give Yourself Permission to Start Slowly
If you’re anything like me, the temptation is to immediately jump back in full speed—catching up on all the missed deadlines, emails, and projects as quickly as possible. But that’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, ease back in one step at a time. Prioritize what actually needs to be done first and give yourself permission to leave some things undone for now. Grace isn’t just something we extend to others—it’s something we must give ourselves, too.
3. Anchor Yourself in God’s Strength
During seasons of upheaval, exhaustion—both mental and physical—is real. The good news? We don’t have to carry it all alone. Isaiah 40:29 reminds us: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” God knows when you’re running on empty. He sees the overwhelming to-do list. And He’s not asking you to figure it all out on your own. Lean into Him, pray through the process, and trust that He will provide the strength you need to move forward.
4. Adjust Expectations and Celebrate Progress
I had to remind myself of this: catching up takes time. My podcast, blog, and business weren’t going to be magically back on track overnight. And that’s okay. Adjust your expectations and celebrate small wins along the way. Instead of focusing on what’s still left to do, recognize what you have accomplished. One step forward is still progress.
5. Remember: You Are Not Defined by Your Productivity
In today’s culture, we often tie our worth to how much we can check off a list. But God doesn’t measure our value by our productivity—He sees our faithfulness, our heart, and our willingness to trust Him even in the unexpected. Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” If your best today looks different than your best last month, that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving forward in faith, knowing that God’s grace fills in the gaps.
Moving Forward with Grace
So, if you’re in a season where life has thrown you an unexpected curveball, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. The path back to routine may be slower than you’d like, but God’s grace is enough for today. Give yourself space. Take one step at a time. Lean into His strength. And trust that, in His perfect timing, things will fall back into place.
And until then? Keep blooming where you are, even in the messy, unexpected seasons. 🌸
Until next time, my friends,
Debbie 🙂
Bloom In The Bible 