I Wanted to Simplify

Tuesday April 12, 2011

I wanted to simplify. Desperately.

But that was the week that was – it wasn’t the week to expect simple.

Oh, how I longed to turn everything off and sit. Rest, bask in my loved one’s love and in the presence of the Father.

But, no. Not last week. It wasn’t going to happen. Long-time commitments shoved those desires aside, for me and for my husband.

So, what did I do? I stilled long enough to remember the lesson. It wasn’t learned easily; after years of an often hustle-bustle life and plenty of weeks like last one, we figured out how to make it through.

We hang on. And we talk about it.

Instead of fretting over what we both know we can’t change, we spend time saying, “Won’t it be nice to just sit at home – together?” We don’t just think it, we spend time saying it. And across the time divide, there are stolen hugs and kisses, reminding us who’s waiting.

There are those seasons in life that are unavoidably busy, hectic, and frustrating. Moving season, filled with boxes and chaos. Tax seasons for accountants. Big family celebration times for moms who plan them. Play seasons for drama teachers.

You can stew and fret through those times or you can hang on and remind yourself – and your loved ones – of what’s really important. And when we did the latter, a funny thing happened. I knew I missed him, but I just figured he was too busy to miss me! It was really nice to know I was missed, heartwarming even.

I hang on to the memory of slower, calmer times and the promise of future ones, but I mostly hang on to the One who is the strength of my heart. Because Psalms 73:26 reminds me, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

He’s the strength of my heart and my portion – my “enough” – through the calm and chaos of life.

Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria. Click on over and come along with us!

6 comments:

Karen said...

Oh, Laura, the hanging on is what I am doing, too. I hadn't even read this before I wrote that email to you.

Blessings***

Amy Sullivan said...

Laura,
Ahh, your are back from the photobucket maintenance! Me too.

This post is perfect for where I am right now. All of me and all of my family are racing, but for what? I need to focus on the stolen hugs and kisses. I need to remember calmer times, and I need to remember Him.

Unknown said...

So glad you are back. I've kept checking and checking...

My husband has just arrived back in town after being gone for 10 days. I've gotten the missing thing down and tonight, we are pushing all things aside, and after the kids are tucked in bed, we will just BE.

Gaby said...

I love that verse. I seem to be going, going, going and it is usually something bad like getting sick that forces me to slow down and in that moment He reminds me to be still and know... Thank you for visiting my little space.

Jessica Heights said...

Awww, I hope you get to slow down and spend time together soon!

Faith said...

I can sure relate to this right now...thanks for sharing...I need to show this to my husband!!

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