A much needed break

Music ministers to my soul. A choir director I once had liked to say: "He who sings, prays twice."

I've been feeling like life is racing by, so many responsibilities, appointments, meetings, events, things that have to be done. Oh, I make sure I have down time every evening after supper to just relax and recover from the day, but the rest of my days are filled with activity. September and October especially lend themselves to a busy hectic schedule. It might be a combination of things (it usually is) with the resumption of church ministries after a summer break, getting ready for the big Nativity push, fall yard work, etc.

So when I heard the following song, it ministered to my soul:

Teach me to number my days
And count every moment before it slips away
Taking all the colors before they fade to gray
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this

It happens in a blink It happens in a flash
It happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life
It happens in a blink

When it's all said and done No one remembers how far we have run
The only thing that matters is how we have loved
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this
It happens in a blink it happens in a flash
it happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life It happens in a blink

Slow down, slow down Before today becomes our yesterday
Slow down, slow down
Before you turn around and it's too late
It happens in a blink it happens in a flash
it happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight but there's no stopping time
What is it I've done with my life
It happens in a blink

I was very grateful for the opportunity to take a break from the routine of my life by visiting our newest granddaughter this past week. Leading up to the visit was intense, not only because I tried to work ahead to make less stress for those who were left in the office, but it was a busy weekend before I left. On Friday, Oct. 15th, we were involved in a wedding. Andy performed the ceremony on Friday afternoon, then we also attended the reception. Andy did such a nice job with the ceremony and the food at the reception was outstanding. On Saturday morning, I had a ladies' Coffee Connection at the church. I made a fruit salad as my contribution. I had also promised to make an egg and bacon casserole, but because of the wedding the night before wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish that. So I asked Dawn if she would assemble the dish for me and stick it in the oven on Saturday morning. I bought the ingredients and she agreed to help me out. She and Kira joined us at the Coffee Connection for a little while and it was fun to have them there.

On Saturday evening, I had to attend the worship team rehearsal because the person who was scheduled to do slides was unable to. I found this out somewhat last minute, so I decided to do them myself rather than call a list of people. That meant I also was busy all Sunday morning in all three services. Sunday afternoon I tried to get a little more of my work done for the week because I planned to be gone for the next five days.

So Sunday afternoon saw me on my way for a week long break from my routine. A whole five days to hold a new baby, visit with Amy and her family, read lots of books to Chase & Joanna, and take a leisurely walk before supper. It had to be a leisurely walk because Amy was still recovering from childbirth. And did you ever try to walk quickly with a two year old! I'm so amused by the curiosity of a child. They stop to examine the tiniest thing and are fascinated by the most ordinary (to us) object.

It was such a blessing to be a part of Amy's family - to see her in action functioning as a mommy. What a sweet family she has. We are very grateful, too, for Katy's health. She is a beautiful baby with a delightful disposition.

Big brother & sister checking out their new sister.

The new momma

So now it's back to life as usual, but hopefully, refreshed and invigorated for the weeks ahead. Someone once told me that the devil never takes a vacation. It was said to produce a feeling of guilt because I had just said I was going away. However, we are not to imitate the devil, but Jesus, who often took time away to spend time with his Father. Times away are necessary to refresh the soul and renew our spirits.

Sometimes, the only way to win the race is to slow down for refueling.