Sometimes I Forget...

Sometimes I forget that Jesus loves and knows me.

That when I simply can't, He still knows.

I was reminded of that the other night, as I hung up my phone.

Despite being a (mostly raging) introvert, I have struggled often with loneliness, and lately have been attempting self-care in the form of making sure that I have quality time with people to feed that part of my heart.

The last week or so, though, I simply haven't had the energy to initiate, and to make sure that outings like this were on my calendar.

And yet, as I hung up my phone, I was reminded that Jesus knows my needs, often before I would even recognize them.

In the next week, I expected to have very little social interaction, simply because I had no energy to arrange for them.  I knew I needed it, but I just couldn't make it happen.

Instead, though, I've got several engagements on my calendar.

I unexpectedly shopped with a friend on the weekend.  Tonight I'm attending a local gathering of people passionate about missions.  I'm going with friends, to hear a mutual acquaintance speak about her time as a midwife overseas.  Tomorrow I'm having dinner with a long time friend.  And later this week I have house church.

And so, as I hung up the phone on an unexpected call the other night, asking if I wanted to have dinner, I was reminded that Jesus knows and sees and loves me, and that sometimes, when I just can't quite find the energy or strength to reach out, He takes care of that as well.  And there was joy and peace in that simple reminder.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 61

Today's Daily 5:

1. Quite Sunday morning
2. an afternoon of errands on my own
3. curled up reading, watching tv, resting
4. home-made nachos
5. 2 years and 61 days of making these lists

What I Love Best About Sunday Mornings

On Sunday mornings, because I camp out at Mom and Dad on weekends, I get the only chance in my whole week to be completely alone in a given space.

Their house empties as they go to church.

I sleep in, and then dress and head upstairs.

There is a recliner waiting for me, or maybe a kitchen.

On Sunday mornings I tend to do one of two things to enjoy my time alone.

I curl up in a comfy black recliner with my laptop and maybe a book or journal, and I catch up on blog reading, and on emails.  I maybe watch a little bit of television, or play some music.

OR

I putter in the kitchen, tackling a new recipe, or simply baking something that I really enjoy.  If I do this, then I pop in a dvd and laugh as it plays while I cook or bake.  (The kitchen is open concept, separated from the living room by an island, so I can watch in the living room while standing in the kitchen.)

But mostly I just love that whichever of these relaxing activities I choose, I'm alone.  No one else in the building.  The choice of noise vs. silence is mine.  The choice of activity vs. stillness is mine.  I love that.  There is something about that quiet aloneness that feeds my soul in ways that I need.  It's truly lovely.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 60

Today's Daily 5:

1. a view of the mountains
2. reading a novel on the train
3. a haircut (seriously - I love the whole having someone else wash my hair and massage my head thing)
4. spending the afternoon shopping with a friend
5. getting some errands done

Something Beautiful

I came across this video on several blogs this week, and knew I had to share it... It's such a lovely blessing and prayer...  May you know that you're an integral part of something beautiful this weekend!