It Takes A Village
April 25' Reflections: Leaning into Support & Finding Rest During Trying Seasons + My Monthly Roundup
This month didn’t go according to my carefully held plans — but maybe that’s the grace of it.
With my parents visiting for a few weeks, I had envisioned a productivity surge — catching up on writing, powering through my to-dos, and finding the momentum I felt had been slipping. But what I found instead was slower, softer, and surprisingly more healing than I expected.
I went on a solo coffee shop date where I finally had a few quiet hours to myself (my first real stretch of solo time in I don’t know how long), and was grateful for the support that made that space possible. And still, as I sat down to work, a wave of sadness and grief surprised me. I guess because I finally had a moment to sit with my emotions and realize how exhausted I was. The weight of long, compounding solo parenting days rose to the surface, and afterwards, I found myself crying in the Sam’s Club parking lot as I released all of the pent-up emotions, the weight I had been carrying.
Lately, I’ve been reading Hunt, Gather, Parent, and one of the insights that has stayed with me is this: parenting was never meant to be a solo act. We’ve all heard the adage, “It takes a village.” Well, this village still exists in many cultures — not in theory, but in practice. I’ve felt the truth of that this month. I’ve felt it in the daily grace of my parents’ presence, how they’ve stood in the gap, and the freedom I’ve had to slow down without guilt.
This month has reminded me that rest isn’t just a recommendation — it’s essential. Presence isn't a pause from productivity; it’s the soil where real life grows. And we were never meant to do any of this alone. When we allow others to stand in the gap, to carry a bit of the load, to simply be with us — that’s where restoration begins. That’s where grace meets us. And that’s where we remember: we’re not just surviving this season — we’re being sustained through it.
A Month In Grace 🌿
✨ What surprised me
What surprised me this month was how quickly sadness surfaced once I finally had space to breathe. I had looked forward to those quiet hours at the coffee shop, but the stillness revealed just how much I’d been carrying. That moment reminded me that even my weariness is held by God.💛 What challenged me
This month, I faced the sting of a long-hoped-for opportunity falling through. The real challenge wasn’t just the no, but learning to hold disappointment and trust at the same time. I’m still discerning, but I believe even closed doors can carry God’s protection.💬 A conversation I keep thinking about
A conversation with my best friend encouraged me to not only lean into rest but Jesus himself. Only He can bring the true rest and peace that my soul desperately craves.🤍 Something I’m holding close
This time that I have while my parents are in town. With them living in Ohio, trips are far and few in between, and I’ve been enjoying time together as a family.🙏 What I’m learning about grace
Grace evolves and changes with the season, and the Lord always gives you just the amount of grace you need to sustain you in everyone. No matter how limited you feel, grace always abounds.
If this reflection spoke to you, I’d love for you to support my work by becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps me continue sharing these grace-filled stories and reflections, and as a paid subscriber, you’ll get access to exclusive posts and deeper conversations. I’d be honored to have you along for the journey.
Not ready for a subscription but still want to support my work? You can now make a one-time contribution through Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps me continue sharing these reflections, and I’m so grateful for your generosity!
Love Notes 💌
Throughout the month, I love to post notes, reflections, or other resources that I find encouraging or helpful. Make sure you download the Substack app so you don’t miss out on new notes, chats, and threads.
On My Nightstand 📚
Monthly Favorites + Books I’m Currently Savoring
The Rule Book1 by Sarah Adams. Sarah Adams is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance writers. I’ve already read four of her books this year, and still have several on my TBR. This book is the second one in this sports romance series, following college exes Nora Mackenzie, a sports agent, and Derek Pender, an NFL tight end. Nora finds herself representing Derek years after a bad breakup, and Derek remembers it all, establishing rules and doing everything he can to make Nora pay. However, things take a turn after they wake up married, one morning after an eventful business trip in Vegas. I enjoyed every minute of this book. If you’re into second-chance romances and fake-dating/marriage tropes, you will enjoy this one, too.
Fruitful edited by Megan Hill & Melissa B. Kruger. I’ve been slowly going through this devotional over the last several months. Walking you through the fruits of the Spirit, this devotional shows you how to bear fruit that lasts in every season. Each entry encourages you with scripture and a reflection as it prompts you to respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I also love the “Something to Savor” sections featuring fruity recipes. This devotional has been a gift to me in what, at times, has felt like a dry and barren season.
A Berry Good Death by Kathleen Suzette. I love these beach town murder mysteries for a quick palate cleanser between reads. These reads are quick (typically less than 100 pages) and available on Kindle Unlimited. This month, I read two!
These were just some of my favorites from the month. Check out my monthly reading recap, Goodreads, or Fable for a full list and reviews of what I read.
April 25' Reading Recap
The reading recaps are back! 👏🏾 Well... sort of. While my capacity has shifted since the last recap in October, I’d love to bring these back more often, even if not every single month. This time around, I’m recapping the six books I read in April—podcast style! ✨🎧 The audio version (my personal favorite) is available exclusively for paid subscribers.
Links & Little Joys 🩷
I had been looking for a small Bible that I could throw in my bag to take to church or the coffee shop and found this compact and thinline Bible in the CSB version. I grabbed both to use for church and on the go.
I’m happy to report back that this beach wagon is a win! To pull it on soft sand takes a little effort when it’s loaded, but it’s doable!
My daughter lost her water bottle at the park, so I grabbed this insulated, covered water bottle. In addition to keeping her water cold, I love how the cover keeps the mouthpiece from getting sandy while we’re at the beach. I plan on getting each of the boys one, too.
April Snapshots 📸
Our first beach visit // Sharing a milkshake at First Friday with the kids // More beach visits // Easter with the fam // Solo coffee shop date // My spring/summer Kindle refresh
Catch Up on April Posts
Voice Note No. 1: Starting Over (with Free Preview)
🎙️ This is the first in what may become an ongoing series of raw and honest voice note chats I’ll be sharing with paid subscribers. Think of it like a voice memo or FaceTime catch-up with a friend—unfiltered reflections from the journey, shared straight from the middle of it all.
5: The Importance of Knowing Your Season
In this episode of The Life Designer Podcast, we're talking about knowing your season—not just identifying it, but honoring it. Whether you're in a season of rebuilding, resting, planting, or waiting, I hope this conversation meets you with the gentleness and clarity your heart needs.
💞Loving the Life Designer? Share the Life Designer with a friend and earn rewards when they subscribe.
Can’t afford a paid subscription to The Life Designer but still want to support my work? Here are some ways to consider:
☕️ Buy me a coffee to fuel these newsletters.
❤️ Comment, like, or restack this post here on Substack.
🔄 Restack or share your favorite part of this post to your Substack Notes.
📧 Forward this email to a friend.
📲 Connect with me on IG @janelleaking and LinkedIn
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. That means, at no additional cost to you, you can shop while supporting The Life Designer publication.
I can always tell when sadness is lingering, when I know the next still moment is where I’ll feel it. I’m so glad that you continue to let the Spirit comfort and hold you during those times.
Your podcast style voice note has been in the favorites. I’ve been reflecting on the time to harvest and those times of rest.
I haven’t checked out these recs yet. I’ve been catching up on my YouTube watchlist and I just picked up Neighbor Favor and the novel, James.