Rescheduled: Writing Your Calendar in Pencil

Jena Muhr discusses the constant need to change the family calendar, and what appointments and events it's OK to reschedule.

I’m not sure about you, but this year has started off with a bang and has not stopped since the ball dropped to begin 2026. Because of this, I have been having to learn to be flexible with my time and to learn the hard lesson that it is ok to reschedule or cancel things. This is particularly hard for me because I view appointments and commitments as being in the very important category, and I do not like missing or changing them. They often include other people’s time, something that needs to be done, something that is important to someone in my family and result that is often a check off of my to-do list or a task accomplished. But life happens, life events happen, kids get sick, moms get sick, and sometimes things just need to be rescheduled.

However, with all the zigs and zags that this year has brought, I have been having to reschedule events and appointments more often than I would like to. And guess what has happened? Nothing life-altering. Nothing that cannot be made up or given time later. I have not disappointed anyone beyond repair or been chewed out because I let someone down.

All the changing of dates and times has brought a few things into perspective. I've had to decide if something needs to happen right now, or maybe later, or not at all. I haven’t made a habit of rescheduling commitments, but I am in a time where I have begun to accept that it happens sometimes. And it is OK to reschedule.

God’s Advice

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says,

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” ( Matthew 11:28-29)

It does not make us better people, mothers, or workers to make and keep every opportunity for an appointment. Sometimes we need to learn from Jesus who took the time to rest and not to feel bad about taking the time to do so.

When Not to Reschedule

All of this being said, there are times that rescheduling is not optimal. I do my best to not “kick the can” on items and things that have to be done. Or when rescheduling will do more harm than good, I’m looking at you doctor’s appointments.

Also, date nights or moms' nights out seem to be the first things that get cut when things happen. I try my best not to cancel these because I need them. I need that time with my husband and friends.

When things are too busy, too overwhelming, when the babysitter and the backup babysitter cancel, and the kids get sick; remember that it’s ok to reschedule. Most things can be moved or planned again. And that load off your mind is worth more than never missing an appointment.

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Copyright 2026 Jena Muhr
Images: Canva