Later Than I Thought (10/24/2025)

Yesterday was packed. I had morning medical appointments, and the afternoon was laundry. I finally took at break around 4 on my porch and opened my phone to check for messages. That’s when I noticed the red alert sign – “Freeze Warning.” I thought I had more time to get my plants inside for the winter. I was planning on doing it this weekend with the help of my older grandchildren. Obviously, it was later than I thought.

And so, for the next two hours, my husband and I worked to bring in all the potted plants on the front porch and on the screened porch. I washed the pots and their saucers. And we found a spot for each and every one. I love having plants in my home during the winter months; it is like the promise of spring every day.

In the grand scheme of things, especially in the season progression thing, I guess I missed the signs. I should have planned to bring the plants inside earlier. But isn’t life like that? We think we got it all set, all planned, all taken care of and then something small changes everything.

Then this morning, as I was reading the scripture passages for today, first I read Paul’s admission that as much as he wanted to be “holy”, he realized he wasn’t there yet. I can associate. I think I’m doing well as I’m running the race, but as I look back in the rear view mirror, I often see things I missed and I often notice things I wish with all my heart that I’d handled differently. And then I read the gospel where Jesus is point blank warning us to tend to the signs, to realize we need to repent now, we shouldn’t ignore our imperfections, our failings, our sins. We need to repent because we do not know the hour or the day when we will need to give an accounting for who we are and admit how far astray we are from who we were created to be.

During this season of change, I realize I need to make some changes, some more radical than others. I need to take time to reflect on where I am on my journey. How far have I come since last autumn? And I know that my imperfections need to be addressed. It’s later than I thought.

How about you? Are you where you want to be on your journey? Are there areas of your life you hear the LORD calling you to consider more closely, more faithfully? How about today? It could be later than you think.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.