In the Moment

It's been a while, I know. And believe me, my heart has missed this "processing" that takes place between my mind and the keyboard. But as summer approaches, so does a new season and feeling of rest, one that is much anticipated. I find myself repeating what I've said in numerous blog posts, but here's to hoping I can find more time to be still and process life in this upcoming season of rest.
Today has been perfect. I've caught myself telling people a lot lately that I love my mornings now... and it's true. My son woke up at 8 am today, and I was ready to turn on the coffee pot and start my day. I think what I appreciate about having "morning" time is that it gives me so much more time in my days! Ha! Who would have thought? :) It's amazing what I can accomplish before Graham's 2 o'clock nap time. We had such a fun time in the park this morning with some other moms that live in our neighborhood. We love park days!! Now, while he's in there snoozing away, I'm enjoying reading and writing in the sun. I just read through the book of Philippians (NLV)... what an incredible book! I love how God can just take a simple little moment and cause your eyes to open up and see His truths in a completely different light. I mean, it could be something that you've read a million times, but then one day, in one single moment, He comes in, peels open your eyelids a little bit further, until you stumble upon the little gold nugget that He wants you to see... not yesterday... not tomorrow, but right in that very moment He wants you to feel something new. That just happened to me, reading through Philippians. There is so much good truth in that book about living life NOW. And that's what I'm craving... to be encouraged to keep living a life of meaning, right here, right now, right where I am. I found tremendous encouragement in Paul's words to the church at Philippi. "Always be full of joy in the Lord - rejoice!" In the notes at the bottom of the verses, it's says that Paul discovered the true secret of joy and peace - to imitate Christ and serve others. When this happens, we learn unity, humility, joy and peace. Sounds so easy, doesn't it?? If only it really was easy to imitate Christ and serve others ALL the time... it's challenging. But I think also, that maybe we just like to complicate things a little bit. All I know, is that today, in this moment, these words challenged me, but more than that, they encouraged me. This won't be the last time I read through that book... maybe I'll chew on it some more over the next few days.
On another note, I was talking with some good friends of mine the other day about books and reading. What's funny about me is that I love books - the way they look, feel and smell; I LOVE writing; I love book stores; I took several creative writing classes in high school and college, and I've even thought about writing a book one day, but strangely enough, I've never taken up the actual HOBBY of reading. I mean, sure, I'll read a book here or there, but it usually takes a miracle for me to actually finish one. (Quick Plug: The most recent book I read AND finished was CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan, and I absolutely loved it! I recommend it to anyone who wants to be challenged about life and living.) So anyway, back to the conversation with my friends, we were talking about reading novels, which is something I've never done, except for when I was in school. When I pick up a book to read, it's usually because I want to learn something from it, or be challenged by it. But really reading a book for pure entertainment or enjoyment doesn't usually fall within my daily routine. So, this got me thinking... I'm going to give this whole novel thing a try. Because what I'm hoping will happen is that it will not only begin to be an enjoyment for me, but that it will also begin to stir up new creativity in me. And that would be OH SO WONDERFUL! So, I think I've decided that my first Novel attempt will be The Secret Life of Bees. As you guys recall, the movie really spoke to me, so I'm sure the book is even way better. Unless anyone has any better novel ideas for me, that is where I will begin. I'll keep you updated on my progress. But for now, I'm going to go enjoy the rest of this beautiful day!