What's your favorite hour?

August 2024

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Friend & fellow dreamer,

Happy August!

I pray you’re well, enjoying a good meal, book, or possibly both.

I’m creating a slightly new structure to this Substack letter, borrowed and adapted from two sources: Laity Lodge’s monthly postcards (emails) and my favorite devotional app, Lectio 365. Each letter will be 400 words or less and include three sections: Reflect (a short reflection on creativity, well-being, and life with God), Rejoice (one place where I’m discovering beauty/wonder/delight), and Rest (a prayer prompt). I hope you enjoy!

Reflect

What’s your favorite hour of the day?

Mine is morning, somewhere between 7:30-9am. Although I’ve always been a night owl, lately, I’ve noticed how I’m in the best headspace early in the day: hopeful, calm, and inspired.

When possible, I make space to sit in my armchair or at the desk in front of a window with gentle light. I like to light a candle, listen to an instrumental track, read from Alabaster & Co.’s Book of Psalms, and write. (Especially when I’m alone in the house.)

We all have different lifestyles and schedules. Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom, student, creative entrepreneur, traditional 9-5 employee, or retired. Time is sacred for each of us. But when we intentionally make space for just one restorative rhythm each day, we’ll learn to prioritize and even depend on it. That might look like carving out 15-30 minutes to write, cook or prep meals, study, spend time in God’s Word, take a long walk, read a book, water the garden, spend time with a friend, etc.

This week, listen to your life by considering when you feel most energized, hopeful, or at peace. Is it morning? Lunch hour? Just before sleep? See if you can make space for one small practice during this time that fills you up. Over time, this practice can become a rhythm that supports you in every area of life.

Rejoice

Here’s one place where I’m discovering beauty/wonder/delight:

Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers by Anna James (@acaseforbooks). I can’t remember the last time I read a middle-grade novel (probably in middle school!), but this book was a delight in every way and gave my nervous system a much-needed break from “the fight” of real life. Spoiler: It involves a bookish young heroine, a mysterious librarian, a magical bookshop, AND unexpected run-ins with fictional characters, like Anne Shirley and Alice in Wonderland. #YouHadMeAtMagicalBookshop

Rest

Here’s a prayer prompt for you:

• Find a place where you can be still and quiet for just a moment.

• Do a box breathing exercise (breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4) for as long as it takes to calm your heart rate.

• Then, open your hands before God.

• Thank him for the gift of life and ask him where you might make space this week for a practice. Invite him into that time so you feel more closely connected to your Creator.

That’s all! Be well, friends.

Bailey

Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it. Because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.

—Frederick Buechner, Now & Then: A Memoir of Vocation

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