a weekend of rest

This weekend, I had no commitments, no schedules, nothing holding me down.  It was a weekend off from playing in the band for weekend services at church and for leading worship at Advance in Fort Mill.  Though I love those things with all of my heart, and it brings me such joy, a weekend of rest was exactly what I needed.  

I slept until noon on Saturday (sleep is one of my favorite past times).  I felt rested, peaceful, and energized.  I got outside on the beautiful day that God provided and washed mine and my mom's cars.  I stood in the sunshine and felt its warmth cover me.  It made me grateful for the time that I had to just relax.  Later, my dear friend Kaitlyn and I spent the late afternoon/evening at the park, eating the junk food we had brought to share, and having good conversation and laughs until my stomach hurt (probably from all the junk food we had just consumed).  I came home from the park and got to spend time with my family while watching Ms. Doubtfire (arguably one of the best Robin Williams movies).  We laughed.  We exchanged glances.  We were together.  I went to bed that evening feeling happy and grateful for the time.  

This morning, I got up out of bed early enough to go to the 9:30 service at church.  One of my closest friends, April, was home from college for the weekend and I got to stand/sit by her and worship alongside her, something I have missed terribly with her being away.  There were tight hugs, smiles, laughs, and another tough goodbye as we parted ways.  After I came home from the service, I felt like I had enough energy to go to the gym, so I did!  It had been months since the last time I had worked out because of stress and responsibilities that left me little to no free time.  I listened to worship music, I had sweat dripping everywhere, and I completely wore myself out, yet had a ton of energy at the same time.  On my way  home, this small little yorkie had gotten loose in the neighborhood.  So I pulled over, turned my hazards on, and taunted the little guy with the pizza crust from my breakfast (so much for eating a well-balanced breakfast).  He was the sweetest little dog and it made me so nervous for him to just be running around while cars sped by.  I handed him off to a neighbor to hang onto him until the owners came by and got him.  Mom had lunch ready for me when I got home, and I sat on the couch, watching New Girl and eating, and just winding down.  Later, I'll head to Advance dressed as someone straight out of the extremely tacky 80s for our 80s Double Dare night.  There will be fellowship, laughs, and messiness, and I'm so looking forward to it!  

To all the people who have been praying for me, my dad, and my family:  
thank you for praying for us.  Especially those who have been praying for peace that passes all understanding.  There was absolutely no reason for me to be at peace this weekend, but I was.  I can only attribute it to God saying "here's a break.  be free for a time".  Instead of worrying what the next few months are going to hold, I focused on the moment.  the feelings I was having.  the quality time with close friends.  the adventures that were to be had.  Thank you, Jesus, for being faithful when I have no faith.  For being strong when I am broken and weak.  For having a plan when all I can do is worry.  You are the glue that is holding me together during this time, and forever.  And thank you, people, for holding me and my family up when we feel like we can't go on.  For interceding on our behalf when we are angry at God.  For providing for our every need when all we want to do is sit around and cry.  Thank you a million times over.  You have blessed us so infinitely throughout this journey.  


"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7