Hello Miami! What 2 Nights Away Taught Me

I've been keeping a little secret — not that it was intentional. Life has just been moving at such top speed that I almost forgot it myself.

Back in October, my older sis mentioned she'd be spending a week in Miami for work the first week of March. The moment she said it, my mind drifted somewhere hopeful: what if I weaned our youngest — she'd be 18 months by then — and flew out to meet her for a little getaway?

I loved the daydream. I even started plotting out the practical steps it would take to make it happen. But honestly? A part of me was already bracing for it to fall through. Someone getting sick. A storm delaying my flight. My husband's work schedule not cooperating.

There've been many times I've had to miss a wedding, a weekend trip, or something special because my presence was needed at home. This is not a "woe is me" post — far from it. Being a wife and a mama to five babies I birthed within six years comes with real sacrifices — and I wouldn't want it any other way. But between breastfeeding, pregnancies, and early postpartum seasons, getting away has been rare.

I hoped for the best, but quietly braced myself just in case. I know... toxic coping.

Anyway, y'all — it happened. And it worked out better than good.

I HAD A BLAST.

From people-watching at the airport, to watching the clouds roll by from my window seat, to overhearing snippets of strangers' conversations and spinning little fictional stories about their lives (ha) — to walking into our hotel room and being completely taken aback by the view. To dinner at Prime 112. To wandering the streets of Miami with my hair free, soaking up every kiss from the sun, every breath of salty air, every soft step in the sand.

I read.

I crocheted.

I had sweet, unhurried moments with the Lord.

And I got to spend real time with my sister — watching her move in her element, witnessing the quiet but real impact she makes on the people around her and within her work. I walked away with a deepened respect for her that I didn't expect.

It was better than good.

So yes — Lord willing, I will be doing this at least annually. Two nights away gave me a change of scenery I didn't realize how desperately I needed. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the goodness of God in my life, because I finally had the stillness to step back and actually reflect on everything I'm walking through in this season.

I will not be waiting another ten years to do that again. 😄

That's my little update. I cried in gratitude more than once.

One more thing before I go — if you're local to Memphis, I'll be a vendor at a craft fair tomorrow from 10 AM–3 PM. It may be raining, but from what I hear, it's shaping up to be a wonderful fair full of unique handcrafted items. Come ready to take home a beeswax candle, a nourish balm, or both.

Hope to see you there!

Til next time, Jessica