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For where two or three gather in my name, there am I
with them. –Matthew 18:20
Ladies, I am so excited to share yet another inspiring issue. I think it is safe to say spring has finally sprung; it’s time for gardens and gathering. We’re sharing wonderful ways to connect with friends and family, essential conversations for couples, and fresh ideas for gardens and yards. Be sure to check out new tips to take care of you, and whip up yummy recipes for all those spring gatherings.
I am writing this smack dab in the middle of Lent. Years past, I spent many a Lent giving up things and proclaiming that I wanted to do more, only to never quite follow through. This year, however, I decided to give 40 days to God. What does that mean? I don’t fully know myself; nevertheless, please indulge me as I try to put into words some of the things I have experienced.
(Friends, if you do not have an organized faith, no worries; keep reading; I promise I won’t holy- roll you into anything.) It is my strong belief if we take 40 days to truly self-reflect, meditate, pray—whatever you choose to call it—profound things will take place.
My latest obsession has been hot yoga, the hotter the better. I love the deep reflection that yoga gives me on the mat. (How’s that for yoga speak? Truth: Jen Theisen and yoga have never really been in the same space, but I digress.) Last week, I was finishing up an exceptional yoga class and was expressing gratitude for my new-found friend in our instructor. She shared that she may not be teaching the following week, as a close family member had stage four cancer and was probably going to die later that week. She went on to share that this mama was going to leave behind four babies. And, as if that was not devastating enough, those precious children had lost their father a few years prior. I literally felt my heart ache.
I am profoundly grateful that I have the privilege to know a little of her story; it has given me the honor and opportunity to pray for all of them. I pray that this mother of four has peace and that her sweet babies will always be cared for with an abundance of love and kindness. I pray that her children will always remember what an incredible woman she was. I don’t know this woman; I don’t know her children; I have no clue how hard these past years must have been for her after her husband died. I cannot fathom what she was faced with the realization that she would not be able to raise her tribe. I am grateful that on this particular day, I did not race right out of class onto the next thing on my forever-long to-do list. I allowed time; and in that time and pause, I was able to hear—and what a gift I was given. Wherever two or more are gathered, I am there. Matthew 18:20 has come to mind so many times as I have been preparing this issue.
Although spring is a time for rebirth and this issue is about gardening and gathering with family and friends, I simultaneously challenge all of us to slow down and take a pause and see what might be waiting in that space. Let’s enjoy the beautiful long-awaited spring, my lovely ladies. I am so fortunate to share with all of you as the journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance.
Jen Theisen
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
