when i don't take the time...

If you asked me how I am, I'd probably say... busy. My head feels busy. But I think I am just trying to keep up with too many schedules that aren't mine. The daughter who is working and volunteering at the zoo, and the son with the heavy school-work load, plus marching band and finishing up his Eagle Scout work. None of these mean I can't do what I want or need to do, but the beginning and end times are circling my brain, quickening my heart... and creating this buzzing feeling of busy. Maybe instead of busy, I am tired, and longing for the easier days of summer.

But summer has passed, and I must move on. I need to take time for the to-list that exists for me, and let my capable kids take on their own. I need to feel the Light around me, and breathe it in, instead of keeping on on my own... because that alone can strengthen my soul. I need to love, to laugh, and enjoy this season that God has laid out before me.

What really matters in life is rarely on my daily to-do list. 

life lately...

August has been pretty green...I have enjoyed being outside, even in the Florida heat.  And the past two nights have been a gift- breezy and low humidity. It seems to be just what we need to get us through until the fall weather arrives (in November?)  

Here are my photo-a-day photos, doing double duty for life lately...

starting the week...

The weekend was quiet... unless you count the echo of drum cadences that make you want to tap your foot, clap your hands.  {We definitely did some of that!}  It was a string of days that had us stretched out and resting- and it seemed, after the first week, necessary.  And after those days of not much, we seem a little more ready for Monday.  The alarm isn't quite as loud as it seemed last week, and tonight's dinner did make it into the crock pot, which means the question of the evening is already answered... not bad for the second week of the school year.

friday letters...

Dear First Week of School,
I am exhausted. You have kicked my butt. Again. And I am not the one going to classes and doing the homework, along with practices and college applications... I am only trying to keep up with the one who is! Two afternoons I have walked into his room and found him asleep in the middle of homework. My heart aches for him... but he is tough, and by next week maybe he'll be in the swing of things!  {Me, too!}

Dear Laura,
I don't know how you are doing it- eight hours in this awful heat, four days a week, and then an extra day to volunteer- but you are... and I can tell you are enjoying it.  That makes me happy. And then when you shared how people have been talking about you at the zoo?  It gives my soul peace, and fills me with joy. Keep on working hard, for the sake of doing the job right... it will pay off. And be thankful to work in a place where you are appreciated and your hard work is getting noticed. I think it is rare to be appreciated, and perhaps more rare for someone to pass on that they are noticing.

Dear Marching Pride,
Tonight. I am so excited. This is season 7 of 7 for our family, and when you lance into the stadium tonight, in full uniform and ready to perform, joy will fill my heart, and might even overflow with a few tears. I may have a thing for a certain bass drummer, but as a whole I love you. I love your dedication and your precision... your joy and your hard work.  The next couple months of Friday nights are going to be amazing!