After bedtime tonight, I just laid quietly with Riley. He was sound asleep on my arm. I grabbed my phone and decided to catch up listening to messages on Marco Polo. My dear friend Shauna said something remarkable that I had to share with you.

“You don’t have to pretend.”

Those words eased my mind and I took a deep breath.

So, if you are sitting anywhere near the place that I am, please hear me… you don’t have to pretend.

You don’t have to pretend that this hasn’t been weird.

You don’t have to pretend that this hasn’t been hard.

You don’t have to pretend that you haven’t enjoyed the extra time with family.

You don’t have to pretend that you aren’t ready for the world to reopen, quite yet.

You don’t have to pretend that you’ve leaned in and learned beautiful things about rest.

You don’t have to pretend that everything is OK.

You don’t have to pretend that you haven’t mourned as you watched old friends turn against each other with strong opinions.

You don’t have to pretend that you are not more scared of death than you thought you were.

You don’t have to pretend that you aren’t going to miss having your people gathered around your table, figuring it out together.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.