Well, I have to say, things are going better this month. I have more energy and am able to get more things done. I'm moving right through my list of "goals"....except I'm not blogging very much. It's still hard for me get here at times, but I'm making the effort. I think I've lost most of my readers because they are tired of looking and seeing the same post for months!! I'm sorry.....if I actually succeeded in ALL areas it would be scary.
In the midst of 'getting things done', we were able to take a quick vacation to Phoenix. We were supposed to be there for other reasons, but they all fell through so we just decided to go anyways and make it a family getaway.....I am so glad we did. The kids really needed some time to just 'play'. Although we did a little school while we were there, the majority of our time was spent hanging out together, going to baseball games, museums, visiting friends, etc. It was a good time away and the weather was amazing! The kids would go outside before breakfast and climb around in the lemon trees or go exploring through the grapefruit grove. They loved it and I enjoyed just sitting and watching them.
One particular morning they were armed with "weapons" (which included a tree limb and an old feather duster) and they were in a battle with an busy couple of bees that were flying around the flowering orange trees. They would "sneak" up on it, surround it, then attack it....getting it all stirred up and then running (screaming) to me for protection. They would crouch down behind my lawn chair, waiting til the coast was clear. It was amusing to see my "army" of children and their fake bravery. And of course, as I watched them, I was reminded of my own disillusioned courage that I sometimes have.....thinking I can face the enemy and take him head on. But as soon as he actually turns and looks at me, I run away, seeking the safety of my Father. Now, I don't intentionally go around poking at sin (I hope not at least) and trying to stir it up....no, it's much more subtle for us 'mature' ones (I say that sarcastically). Often times, I think I'm just fine and then all of a sudden I look up and I'm looking straight into the face of danger, or an obstacle, or a fear (yes, i have a few...wink!). Then I realize, I'm standing there, waving something as useless as a worn out feather duster at the oncoming enemy. It's then that I go darting to hide behind my Protector, my Savior. And there is such comfort when I do, knowing that I am completely safe.....not a fake kind of security I find when I seek refuge in other things, but a real sense of peace and rest.....the kind only He can give.
I learned many other things while watching my children last week.....I hope to be able to share a few more here as time allows. If not, just pray that I will remember them in a way that will cause me to grow closer to God and learn more about Him.
But as for now, we are back home, it was VERY cold last night and this morning and I was sad to have left my sunny, warm Arizona....but later today it warmed up enough to go outside for a nice run and some other exercise. Back to the crazy, unpredictable weather of New Mexico!
