Looking Back at The Last Two Days In August

Thursday, August 28, 2008
Solitude

I did not expect today to be as quiet as it became after I arose this morning. Not that it isn’t usually semi-quiet in the early moments of each day. But this was an unexpected quiet that is gleamed when you find yourself all alone for 24 hours. Lon was able to get an extra shift to work on the same day as Jason was already scheduled. Leah was with her Mom and Dad at home. I found myself to be a house of one.

This type of timing has probably happened before, but for some reason I was more aware of it today. Could be a reaction to the reading I have been doing as of late? For the past month I have been steadily pouring over every copy written on the subject of Simply Living, Voluntary Living or something similar.

We, Lon and I have decided to slow down our lives so as to live them at a pace that is both beneficial and enjoyable to us. To step away from the ideals and influx of media driven empty pursuits. In order to embrace who God made us and how He would have us to live out our days for His glory. To have the time to pursue those things that bring us pleasure. To become debt free and able to live on a small income and still be able to minister to those God brings across our daily paths. To finally reach for and possibly obtain this side of heaven the abundant life that Jesus speaks of in the Bible.

So on this day I realized that I had the opportunity to practice a skill that I had just been reading about. Solitude.

An aspect of my life that I have always craved and acquired in small doses. But never took full advantage of while wishing for it.

It was a fairly easy decision to make, but I was uncertain if I could pull it off. To walk through one’s home and not see the things that need to be tended to is a hard thing. To not check my to-do list and succumb to the “ought to” was a challenge for the better part of the morning. To focus on just being quiet in my spirit and follow the impulses of my heart without consulting with my mind became easier as I kept a written list of the activities I chose to be apart of.

Needless to say it was a blessed day, a peaceful day, a day of quiet reflection and inspiration. It was joyous and by lunch time I was truly having a great time without feeling guilty at all.
My day smoothly unfolded before me and every one of my senses was fulfilled with wonder and gratitude.

P.S.
Evening came and I do believe that I had the best night of sleep in a long time. Awakening with the most abundant energy for the next day’s activities.

Deborah



Sunday, August 31, 2008
Day of Sharing

It is such a joyful blessing to gather with kindred hearts on Sundays to worship the Lord. To see familiar faces gathered for

Sunday school, sharing in the lives and prayer request of those who walk beside you and share your journey with the Lord. To be uplifted, encouraged, inspired and challenged to be all that a follower of Christ should be.

On this particular Sunday it felt really good as I have missed the last two due to being on the “sickly” side of health. It was a good day made better with the time that Lon and I had to share our hearts and minds in uninterrupted time. We talked about our farm, our dreams for the future and the changes we would like to see happen both in our physical lives and spiritual ones. Each day brings opportunities for making decisions that could help to simplify our lives. It helps to take the time to think through a few before we are faced with a decision.

Conversation, hot cups of coffee and sweet fellowship are a great combo for a relaxed afternoon. That do not add calories to our waist but fuel for our relationship.

To be able to talk to one’s spouse in such a manner is a blessing from the Lord. One that I know many couples do not have in their lives but one I thank the Lord for in mine.

Anything shared is something doubled in pleasure and divided in load to bear. A nice dividend anyway you slice it.