wow....

I find myself sitting here stunned. The phone rang. No school tomorrow again. That makes four days in a row. I almost wept as I listened to the recorded message. No, not because I am sad about missing work or mad about missing the pay. But because I feel like God knew that I needed a break. "But Kara, we just had Christmas break!" you say. Yes, but it was short. Barely a week for us this year and filled with loads of running around. When school started back I left my Christmas decorations up just to cheer me at the end of the day. I have just been so tired. I felt my heart crying out to God, " I need more time, God! I don't know if I can do this. I am so tired."

I think He heard me. He didn't just still my mind and heart. He stilled the whole town with a blanket of snow and a sparkly sheet of ice. It has been SO quiet for days. My mind and body have rested. I have been warmed by the fire. I have had no desire to leave the house or feel the need to see friends. I haven't even picked up the phone to call a friend for conversation. I am content. I know that God knows me. And sometimes I have to be slowed down to be reminded of that.

I know that people are getting frustrated by being stuck at home, the natives are getting restless. Maybe we need to slow down sometimes. It is a hard thing to do voluntarily. So, when we are made to, sometimes it seems unfair. Not this go round for me. I have embraced it. Another afternoon snuggled up by the fire is coming right up! My heart is pretty full right now. And I am ok with that.

What I am Digging Into Today

I have a few things that I have to do for my own sanity today. First on my list is digging into my summer Bible study book. I haven't even started it. So bad. I hope to make some progress today.

Dave will tell you that I have a hard time slowing down. There is always something to do. Like today. I need to finish folding and putting away the laundry, make some food, pack a lunch or two for the week, check on the chickens-they are outside in the rain, and finish up tidying the house. Oh yeah, I am going out to dinner with some girlfriends tonight and have friends coming over for dinner a couple of nights this week. I forgot to mention that I am working at Dave's school all week too. This is our life. I am glad that it is full.

For this moment however I am going to sit back with my now cold cup of tea, listen to the rain falling outside my front door and dive into this Bible study. Happy Sunday and a belated Happy Independence Day.