Rest.

All signs have been pointing to my need to learn to rest recently. Not napping or sleeping more, but a soul-deep, mind and body rest. Somewhere between trying to sell our house and moving, I lost track of listening to my need for quiet. I was ever checking off my list, rushing around to tidy or pack or unpack. Then, suddenly, I realized that I was out of gas. The blogs I read, the Bible study I joined, the podcasts I listen to, and the sermons at two different churches pounded me over the head with a need to rest. I guess I hadn't been listening well...

After some serious reflection, I have come to understand what kind of rest envelopes my life with peace and joy. I have started to realize that God wasn't messing around when He rested on the seventh day and He certainly wasn't being lazy. But, that lying on the couch or napping is not my favorite kind of rest is okay.

I found myself remembering what I have always known to be my balancing point. Outdoors. As the trees surround me or the lake opens in front of me, I feel free. I find deep breaths and calm. Whether my boys and Jose are beside me, tossing rocks into the lake, or I'm by myself, I still can find that rest. Moving, feeling the breeze as I walk, my muscles relax. My heart opens to remember the gifts we've been given and my eyes open to truly see. We are blessed in this apartment season to be close to a majestic lake and hidden, quiet trails. While I have been rediscovering many habits that are restful to me, this time outside is one I know I need to cling to. I'll just have to make sure the boys have warm enough coats!

Thankful: one.

Often, people ask me if I miss my parents, siblings and extended family living so far away from them. I think the assumption is that since I moved across the country, I must have been trying to escape them. But, no. Not at all. I miss my family every day. I absolutely adore them. And, I often find myself wavering between being so content here with my awesome husband and kids, and just wanting to teleport everyone to the same place. But, I'm working on contentment and joy, so I am just going to focus on how thankful I am. Thankful for all of these people, who I only see occasionally, but are so dear to me:

I am so thankful that when we were in Indiana, we got to eat, drink, and be merry at two family parties. I am thankful that I got to chat with my cousins about what's going on in their lives. I am so thankful that Griffin and Diego played happily with their cousins. And, I am incredibly thankful for the time to just be with my parents and siblings--though we really missed Duke! Thanks for all the love and joy, family!