We've not posted an update as so much as been going on and there has been no down time. By way of catching up, and since our last post - we've been working hard on several projects that seemed to run back to back. In February of this year, I began very intense work on my last homeschool conference. This one was the most grueling conference I can remember in my history with NCHE - but I made it through and then stepped down from my position there.
Immediately following the conference came preparing our house to go on the market to be sold in preparation for our move to Alabama. The house was in pretty good shape, but there was still a lot to do. Mostly moving things out and painting, but it was a lot of physical work. (By-product - I got a little in shape. :) )
Directly following the house - we had a wedding. Kiffer and his fiance hit a couple of planning bugs, and I stepped in to help out. This, too, was tremendous work, but on August 14th, Kiffer and Sarah Rae became husband and wife. We went from the wedding in Brevard to Cambridge, Ontario for a Canadian reception. (The whole family went - Mimi included!)
From Cambridge, we went through Niagra Falls, Washington/Arlington, and Lancaster, PA. It was very enjoyable, sparked an interest in the Amish, and refreshed everyone.
When we were on our way home from Canada there was some time for reflecting on our lives. We have this move coming up, and are all sensing that it's time for change.
Of course, Kiffer getting married has been a little bit of an adjustment. Matthew has graduated from Brevard College, has a great "adult" job, and is living on his own in Brevard. Cliff is still living in Webb and going to school. Michael is getting ready to embark on a journey to Kenya for 3 months with MograStar to work on improving their orphanage and providing a playground for the children.
So... the boys are making their way, and the girls are still at home in school.
WHOA!! Too much! A lot of updating, and probably boring to read, even though I tried to make it short. Sorry about that.
Now to REALLY important things.
I came home from the trip drained; emotionally, physically, and mentally, spiritually, and every other way a person can be drained. I lacked the ability to simply carry on daily life. I realized I was/am in major overload and I needed to do something fast. (My own health AND the health of everyone around me depended on this!!)
So, I have embarked on a life-changing plan. I'm eating healthy and losing weight. I'm trying to rest, and I've had about 2 weeks now of intentionally slowing down to a crawl.
This has been the most difficult adjustment to make. I was in high gear for so long that I didn't know how to slow down. Today is the first day in 13 that I feel like I'm taking a deep breath. I don't know what God has in store for me during this time, but I do know that I'm going to embrace it as much as I can.
I've noticed a pattern in my life. At times when I'm extremely busy, I cry out for a break. The Lord stretches me beyond my perception of capability, and I survive. Those times are followed by down-time - when I have no projects, and even those I conjure up I lack the motivation and energy to complete. Just about the time I've grown accustomed to walking at a snail's pace, the gears get reved up again, and I'm back to full speed.
But the slow times are the hardest for me. I thrive on activity and production. When I am forced to slow down, I cringe and go into withdrawals. It usually takes me days or even, in this case, weeks to accept the steps that my (I know) loving Physician has ordered.
But, I know that following this time of forced repose, there will be another kingdom "project". I will continue to try to relax, slow down, and rest until the next marching orders come.
Until next time....
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