I remember this time last year waiting around checking my phone even more often than I usually do. We were in the home stretch of grand-baby watch, and kept thinking it was quite possible that our family might grow before the ball dropped in Times Square.
It turns out, a few weeks later they literally had to pry (and pray) our (big) little guy into this world. He showed that while he got his curls from his mama, and his dance moves from his daddy, he got his stubbornness and strong will from his “Gaga Kimmie”. I’ll never forget the mini-army that surrounded our family during that 48-hour ordeal, supporting, loving, cheering, and praying for his safe arrival. I’ll be forever grateful that they were all just there…
After the promotion to GMA status, I found myself with an overwhelming desire to pour my heart, soul, and time into this new little adventure. When we quickly realized that 3am help was the hardest to come by, I started racking up “couch nights” to add to my hotel nights, in order to have the honor of squeezing in a few midnight feedings in those early, precious (but exhausting) months. Some of those sleepless nights were hard, and the work mornings the next days were harder (praise the Lord for Philz Coffee, our family’s latest addiction), but just being there was worth it, so we made it work.
Meanwhile, work life was also changing and evolving. I knew there were big things in store for my next career chapter. Big moves don’t come without a lot of stress and worry and “what ifs” as well. As I look back on that time, I’m reminded of the handful of people (in and out of my work world) who were right there by my side every single day, coaching, guiding, and encouraging me along the way.
As I settled into my new work home (what a blessing that has been), I’ve been so incredibly welcomed by a gaggle of new teammates – some of them strangers, some of them old friends – who have been there daily, helping me keep my head up, and feet on the ground through that oh-so-fun season of being “new”. And now, as I just celebrated 7 months at Creative Planning, we can officially say that the newness has most definitely worn off! We are so excited about what’s in store for 2025!
I think the biggest lesson 2024 taught me was the importance of just being there. Whether that’s having the honor of being there for someone I love, or being so blessed by somebody taking the time to be there for (or with) me. Sometimes it’s coming to the rescue and saving the day. Other times it’s answering the desperate phone call and helping make sense of what seems to be a crisis in the moment. It could be that constant, daily encouragement that helps someone through one more tough day. Or occasionally, it’s literally just sitting there in the dark at 3am, rocking a baby back to sleep, and reminding a mama she’s not alone. You may never know the true impact you’re making in someone’s life, but never underestimate God’s ability to use you if you’re just willing to be there.
May 2025 bring us all many moments to be there for those we hold most dear!
View From My Shoes 