We're back from Tennessee, school is in session, and our house is turning into something like a home. My little laptop smirks at me each time I walk by. As I browse Facebook and Pinterest and read blogs, my own blog tab wiggles its eyebrows at me tauntingly. I click it away.
This is the season my little ship has been pointed towards all these years. All three munchkins are in the same school for the same hours, leaving my days as my own. We are in our own house (again) that will be ours for several years (that's the plan, Stan), so I can paint the walls and plant the trees, and do all those things I love to do.
Yet getting here has felt more like a crash landing than an easy slide. I feel more like a cartoon character sitting in a pile of dust, shaking those stars around my head, than a polished woman who has accomplished her goals.
Life is full of challenges. We have our own family challenges that take our time and require intentional focus. The Captain is in a season at work where he is working long hours to meet a project deadline. He is also sick, and has been for some time, but he keeps right on working. Things still feel out of place and unfamiliar. We haven't yet found that comforting rythm in this house and this season. We haven't logged enough comfort hours here.
The world seems to be exploding in violence and terror, and I don't know what to do. Malaysia Airlines MH17, Israel and Gaza, Michael Brown and Ferguson, James Foley, ISIS and Iraq... How do we live in this world?
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:21
Last night we did what we do best. I pushed the kids outside, and sat on the steps to watch them play.
I soaked up my children's laughter, and their hilarious antics. I enjoyed the amusement of passers-by observing their abandon. I set life aside to live those moments.
Let's not let fear win. Not in our own hearts and minds. Not in our relationships. Not in our communities. Not in our policies and laws. Not in our worldviews.
May your choices reflect your HOPES, not your fears.
Nelson Mandela
Let's hold on to the good!
Beautiful words to comfort while so much turmoil stirs about us.
And also...
"Too soon my angel".
You have only just crashed into the luxury of your own time. I often feel guilt at doing nothing, when actually that is all I am good for. After I do all that nothing, resting, sleeping, milling about, feasting, am I in earnest myself, and refreshed and capable of doing the things that I love and make me, me. Savor the laze, dear, and your fervor will be upon you in no time.
Glad to have you back, everyday at work first thing in the morning I click to see if you've blogged, and it's lovely to hear from you.
Posted by: Adelle | 22 August 2014 at 05:34 PM
I too have found the present world turmoil has left me with little words and thoughts that seem relevant, or grave enough. I haven't blogged in weeks, because the fear of sounding trite or shallow when people are suffering is enough to make me avoid sitting at my laptop indefinitely.
It is a wondrous relief to know the Lord is all powerful. I pray your family life will continue to settle into a comfortable rhythm and that He will show you new paths that challenge and encourage and inspire. Thanks again for sharing. xx
Posted by: Sarah Buckle-Dykes | 22 August 2014 at 07:39 PM