A weekend journey through Jacksonville leads to a powerful lesson in Advent. Experience local art at Riverside. See a ‘Red Light Blessing.’ Learn how small acts of kindness and ‘Blessing Bags’ can spread Christ’s love.

Every few months, I plan a family outing. This usually happens when Jon has a long weekend. We explore new places in or around where we live. This weekend, our journey took us to the Riverside Arts Market and Memorial Park in downtown Jacksonville.

I treasure these trips because they are wonderful adventures for our son, Landon. They show him that the world is filled with all kinds of people. Being different is beautiful because we are all created in God’s image.

The Red Light Blessing

On our way to the market, a blessing occurred disguised as a mistake. Jon took a wrong turn, leading us down a side street where we encountered a man experiencing homelessness. At first, Landon was frustrated—not just because we were off-course, but because we were stuck at a red light.

But that red light turned into a teaching moment.

Sitting by the light, wearing rags and completely alone, was a man who needed to be seen. In that moment, God used something as simple as a snack bag in my car to brighten his day. When Landon asked, “Mommy, why did we give that man our snacks?” we were capable of talking about the goodness of God. We explained the true meaning of the season of giving.

Supporting Our Community

If you’ve never been to the Riverside Arts Market, you truly should go. It’s a vibrant space brimming with the creativity and hard work of local artists. While I was initially worried the crowds would overwhelm Landon, he was absolutely overjoyed. In fact, it was difficult slowing him down! He wanted to look at and touch everything.

He met so many wonderful people today simply by asking, “May I pet your dog?” My son is extroverted in every way. This is a beautiful departure from the typical expectations of a child with Autism. My heart is blessed by the way he can walk up to anyone and start a conversation. I can say for certain that my child has never met a stranger. It is the quality I admire most about him.

I love supporting local artists because their work truly matters. I prefer to see our money stay in the local economy. It’s my hope that more small businesses will thrive in our county. I’ve noticed the biggest hurdles for new shops are often a lack of a unique niche or inconsistent hours. That’s why I’m so excited about our newest local shop, Almost Sunday. Women of faith can shop for Bibles, journals, and clothing here. This is a fresh niche our community hasn’t seen before. I wish her the very best!

Reflections at Memorial Park

After a light lunch at Panera (a place I’ve missed since living in Raleigh!), we headed to Memorial Park. It is a stunning space on the St. Johns River, home to a humbling WWI memorial.

Staring up at the statue commissioned in 1924 and reading the 1,200+ names listed there is a heavy experience. My mind raced to the families who had to go on without their loved ones—families left broken by war. It is a reminder that even when we fight for something bigger than ourselves, there is always a loss. It can feel overwhelming.

Light After Darkness

In Hebrews 1:10-12, it says: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain.” It is staggering to think that God laid the foundations of the heavens and the earth. Yet, He foresaw that they would one day pass away. Sometimes I wonder how one small sin—eating a piece of fruit—results in all this death, sickness, and pain.

But in this season of Advent, I am reminded of these beautiful words by Jeremy Writebol: “Yes, the darkness is present. The darkness may get deeper still. But the promise is dawning. After darkness, light.”

A new day is coming. A King was born in a lowly manger. He is a Savior who will one day return to save us from this broken world. My faith isn’t found in earthly things. It’s found in the grace that meets me every morning in those still, small moments. When the pain feels like too much, I am reminded that He is bigger than my sickness. He is bigger than my dad’s cancer. He is bigger than war, politics, and kings. He is God, and He is in control.

Beyond the Baby in the Manger

As Christmas draws near, we celebrate His birth—but remember, He is no longer a baby. He is no longer in the ground. He has overcome death to save us all.

I didn’t actually intend to write about our outing today. I was originally planning a post about how much I love the show Sherlock! But my mind wouldn’t stop racing about the souls we met yesterday. I wonder about their lives and how I can be a light to those in need.

Jon and I have decided to start keeping “Blessing Bags” in the car—bags filled with protein bars, toothpaste, and essentials. I am excited to teach Landon more about Christ’s call to care for the sick and the needy. To love them, and to show them Christ’s love in return.

The Essential Blessing Bag Checklist

Keeping these in your car ensures you are always ready for a “Red Light Blessing.”

I’ve had a few people ask what we are putting in our car kits. To help you get started on your own ‘Red Light Blessings,’ I’ve put together this quick checklist.

• Protein & Nutrition: Beef jerky, protein bars, or trail mix (avoid hard granola bars as some have dental issues).
• Hydration: A sealed bottle of water or Gatorade.
• Hygiene Basics: Travel-sized toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, and deodorant.
• Weather Protection: Socks (the #1 requested item!), a poncho, or hand warmers.
• Spiritual Nourishment: A handwritten note of encouragement or a small card with a hopeful scripture (like Psalm 34:18).
• Seasonal Extras: Lip balm or travel-sized sunscreen for the Florida sun.

I am so excited to start our ‘Blessing Bag’ tradition with Landon. Have you ever had a ‘wrong turn’ lead to a beautiful moment of connection? I’d love to hear about your unexpected blessings in the comments!