It’s Never Too Late to Rise

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What Baking My First Loaf of Bread Taught Me About Faith, Family, and New Seasons

It might sound small, but for me, it was a big deal. As I stood in my kitchen, kneading dough by hand, I was carried back to my childhood. My maternal grandmother used to make bread a couple of times a year when I was growing up. She lived with us, so the whole house would fill with the most amazing smell. And when that bread came out of the oven, it wasn’t just food—it was love, comfort, and a reminder of her presence. She split her time between her kids and those who needed her most, but her base was always our house.

Fast forward to today, and I found myself stepping into her shoes in a new way. She didn’t have a stand mixer—just strong hands and steady faith. I also didn’t have a stand mixer because I gave mine to my daughter-in-law Annie, thinking I’d never use it again. So there I was, with a recipe, ingredients, and a mission to make my first loaf of bread. I won’t lie, kneading the dough the old-fashioned way was hard. And you know what? It was also beautiful.

I have to pause here and say thank you to my daughter-in-law, Annie, and her mom, Erin. They’ve been making homemade bread for years, and every time we’re at their house, we get to enjoy it. They inspired me to finally roll up my sleeves and give it a try. (And truthfully, I had several conversations and texts with Erin during the process – thank you for walking me through it!

When the loaves came out of the oven and I sliced into the first one, I felt joy that went far beyond bread. It was a reminder of something deeper:

💥 It’s never too late to try something new.
Even if it feels intimidating. Even if you’re afraid of messing up.

✝️ Faith and patience always pay off.
Just like bread has to be kneaded and rise before baking, our lives go through seasons of stretching, waiting, and refining.

❤️ God is still working in me.
This past year has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. For a while, I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to be when the house got quiet. I’ll be honest – I have felt a bit lost at times, trying to figure out His calling for me. But kneading that bread reminded me: God isn’t finished. He’s still shaping me, still calling me to rise. I just have to listen with both ears open.

So yes, I baked bread for the first time, and it was delicious. But the bigger gift was realizing how family, faith, and courage weave together in the simplest moments.

I don’t know what “bread” moment you’ve been putting off, but let me encourage you: try it. Start it. Knead it. Trust God with it. It may not be perfect, but it will be worth it.

Here’s to new seasons, new visions, and yes… fresh bread!

Your Turn: What’s something new you’ve been inspired to try lately?