I had all these grandiose plans of staying at the beach most of the summer. Primarily because I did it the past two summers with my daughters. Two of the best summers of my life.
This summer? Well, schedules haven't been conducive of everyone in our family. Life has been hectic. We can't manage to get everyone together at one time in one place. It's called life. Instead of being a grown up I've been pouting like a toddler. Probably have even stuck my lip out a time or two.
Last Wednesday as I was leaving a planning committee meeting I was feeling beyond sorry for myself. Listening to all the exciting plans people had for the summer. Heck, all I wanted to do was feel saltwater on my body. Can't even get away for 24 hours. I was in a ridiculous hot mess. I was even sick of my own company.
Then that tiny little voice in my head {Holy Spirit} whispered "you are always where you are suppose to be". Ha! Try telling that to my two year old attitude, Lord. "I am telling you. I need you to be still. Pay attention. Step back". And then I came to the realization that life is moving at warped speed! Have you noticed it too?
So this past weekend I tried to be present. I visited with my neighbors. Walked the dogs. Started going through my mother and grandmother's recipes. I cooked and baked legacy recipes. Went to the farm to watch the sunset. I spent the past few days listening, observing, and praying. I watched very little news and very little national TV. I blared praise and worship music in the car and in my kitchen. I had deep conversations with the dog. I highly recommend that by the way. No matter what you say to a dog they are just thrilled to be in your company.
Amazingly by Sunday night I was appreciative. Yes, Lord, filled with peace. Every season in our life is for a reason. We don't usually recognize it at the time. Looking back, however, it is so easy to identify what God was protecting us from or teaching us. Every door closed leads to another opportunity He has hand picked for us.
This summer season I'm just going to try to enjoy each day. Be aware that He's in charge of us all. We can make our plans but He's the ultimate scheduler.
"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."-Proverbs 13:20
