Barely on Time, Fully in Grace

Late Again, Lost Again… But Somehow Still Held Together

Some days start with missed alarms. Mine started with a missing car key and ended with grace I didn’t expect but desperately needed.

Between running late (again), missing lunch, juggling tasks at work, prepping for small group, and praying over a potluck, today was… a lot. But buried in the chaos were unexpected glimmers of grace.

And in the middle of the mess, I heard this gentle whisper in my spirit:

“Even now… I’m with you.”

I realized I’m not running on caffeine, strategy, or sleep.

I’m running on grace.

When Life Moves Faster Than You Can

Let’s be real: lately, I’ve felt like I’m chasing my own life—and I’m always about three steps behind. This morning was no different. By 6:45 AM, I had already apologized to the clock three times and silently promised to get my life together—again.

I ended up working upstairs, where one of my bosses was glued to his phone, juggling roles. Meanwhile, I uploaded documents, floated between tasks, and tried to stay focused.

But somewhere between duty and distraction, I missed lunch with my coworkers.

Not intentionally—I just lost track of time in a long conversation with a supervisor about how fast time flies. It was one of those chats that stretched unexpectedly long… and suddenly, I was the ghost who stood lunch up like a bad date. Tupperware in hand, dignity slightly dented.

That’s when the thought hit me: Why am I always running late—mentally, emotionally, spiritually? What am I missing while I’m always trying to catch up?

God in the Lost and Found

The theme continued later, when I went to CVS to replace my car key battery. I thought I could open my car without the actual key—it turns out that’s not how fobs work when you’ve dropped the backup key somewhere inside a drugstore.

Cue the frantic bag-rummaging, deep sighing, and prayer-whispers: “Lord, please. I really don’t have time for this.”

I retraced my steps. Walked back into CVS, hoping for a miracle.

And there it was—my key—on the floor beneath the cashier counter, as if God had personally placed it there with a note:

“You’re still held, even when you lose your grip.”

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1

That key became a symbol: I may be forgetful, frazzled, and fifteen minutes behind, but I am never out of God’s reach.

Dinner, Dishes, and Divine Appointments

I got home in a flurry, cleaned like a woman possessed, and told myself I’d start cooking for small group at 6:00. I started at 6:15. Predictably.

By then, I was flustered and behind, but still committed.

And then—grace entered the room.

Two people who haven’t been coming for a while, walked in with light and laughter.

My spirit exhaled. It felt like God saying, “See? You don’t have to carry this alone.”

And then came another sacred moment—quiet, almost easy to miss. One of my friends mentioned she’d been reading my blog. She simply said she liked the piece I wrote about grief—about my mom. That was all. Just a few words. But somehow, they landed softly and stayed with me. She didn’t elaborate, but in that brief acknowledgment, I felt like my voice had reached someone, even if only for a moment. It reminded me that sometimes, even the smallest feedback carries the deepest weight.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” — Anaïs Nin

It reminded me that my words matter, even when I’m writing through the fog of exhaustion and unwashed dishes. That maybe I don’t need to feel strong to be impactful.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Soul Insights

1. Grace Doesn’t Punch a Time Clock

God doesn’t clock in and out based on how well I’m performing. He meets me right in the middle of my running-late, key-losing, Tupperware-carrying self.

2. Presence Is More Powerful Than Performance

Nobody cared that dinner was 15 minutes late. They came to be fed emotionally and spiritually. My presence mattered more than the perfect timeline.

3. Encouragement Is Divine CPR

That comment about my blog? It was heaven breathing life back into my tired writer’s heart. Sometimes we just need one voice to say, “You helped me.”

4. Rest Is Not a Luxury—It’s Spiritual Warfare

The enemy loves burnout. But God commands rest—not as a reward for finishing the list, but as a reminder that we’re human and He is God.

5. You Are Not Alone (Even When It Feels Like You Are)

Help comes in unexpected forms: a co-leader stepping in, a friend showing up, a lost key returned.

I don’t have to carry the whole world. Neither do you.

Final Thoughts: Faith in the Fog

I’m still tired. My dishes are still in the sink. My room is still a mess.

But I’m no longer measuring my success by what I’ve checked off.

Today reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect to be purposeful.

I just have to show up. Be honest. Be real. Let grace do the rest.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

So if you’re behind on something, if you feel like you’re failing at everything—

You’re not.

You’re living. You’re learning. And God is still working through you.

You’re not too late.

You’re not too much.

You’re right on time—for grace.

Soul Path Insights