Some Peace and Quiet

Peace and quiet is such a rare thing in our culture. I remember when my daughters were younger I use to reassure myself with the thought that as they got older and were
able to do more on their own that there would be less for me to do. WOW! I was so wrong. It seems that I just get busier every year.
This school year has been a big adjustment for us as we have taken on more extra curricular
activities. I use to make the kids take turns at after school activities...but it seems like everyone has a talent to exercise or a desire to fulfill. I have to be so very prayerful about what we take on in our schedule...God gives everyone the same 24 hours a day and I want to do a good job at managing the time He has given to us. What a huge responsibility that is! It is not getting any easier to discern between the good and the best for my family. There is SO MUCH GOOD stuff in which to be involved...but I have to find the best. I have to pray for God's constant wisdom.

I was bless with a wonderfully peaceful, quiet weekend. It was unlike any weekend I have experienced since I got married 16 years ago. My husband sent me off spontaneously to accompany a friend of ours on her trip to West Texas to see her sister. It was so last minute
that I didn't even have time to think of the 20 reasons that I probably should have stayed home...but I'm so glad that I went. It was the quietest days that I've had in a very, very long time. It was beautiful.
There are several memorable moments that stand out in my mind. The first is the 20 minutes that we spent sitting in the bleachers well before ANYONE got to the soccer fields. It was sunny and very windy...I had nothing to do and nothing to think about and I was just so grateful to be alive in the sun and the wind. It was the most relaxed I've felt in forever!

Sunday morning I went to church with my young friends. It was great to be around college aged believers...to know that there is a young generation out there that loves God enough to meet with Him and His people, not because their parents are making them, but because they are drawn to Him. It was refreshing and a real encouragement.

Finally, though it sound absurd, I relished the 5 hours we spent waiting in the airport for our flight home. I spent the hours visiting, perusing through a magazine, and people watching.

I am grateful to my very spontaneous husband for suggesting that I go and for picking up the slack on the home front. I am pleased to report that I returned to a spotless house...as good as I do (on the days I really try). I am grateful for a beautiful weekend of rest!