Wow, this summer has been a wild ride. I’ve written little, published even less. Reading has been sporatic, often purposeful, rarely rejuvenating, though I have been working to reclaim that recently.
Loved
This is going to sound terribly self-serving, but we had a rare (as in once or twice a year rare) night without our kids. We had about 19-20 hours where we spent time as a couple, eating meals, having uninterrupted conversations, and investing in our relationship. It was glorious. One of the most memorable moments was when we both slept in but I got up a little earlier than my husband and had an uninterrupted cup of coffee. It was life-giving to sit in my mostly clean living room and drink my coffee at the proper temperature for as long as I wanted. (I even had time to take a picture and post about it, something I also haven’t done in ages).
Gleaned
I decided to give a new mystery series a try and I’m completely pulled in. While it is mostly murder investigation with a forensic arceologist, it’s very interested without being too scary and I find myself more eager to read than watch TV most days. Reading just for fun has been a lost art at my house so it’s nice to read something because I’m enjoying it not just because it will improve my life, because someone said I need to or out of some kind of obligation.
It reminds me of a combination of the shows Bones and Vera with a little bit of Broadchurch and Hinterland thrown in. I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m reading and not watching because she sets the scene so well.
I do find the authors decidedly anti-Christian bent a tad annoying, but I can mostly overlook that and actually appreciate the main characters existential musings.
(If this is your sort of thing you an check out the Ruth Elly Griffiths).
Braved
As is so often the case, work is the frequent reason I have things to brave. It was another very busy summer but I’m actually looking forward to a less busy schedule when the school year starts. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but when you work on the planning and administrative side, things actually ease up once everything is set in motion and everyone begins to find their routines for the fall. I’m still learning that I can’t do it all. I think the hard part is saying no to many good things that I love doing because there simply isn’t enough time or energy.
Achieved
I honestly don’t feel like I can give myself a gold star for much of anything lately aside from keeping everything going. I’m dropping balls right and left, fortunately minor ones. I’ve been setting very poor boundaries between work and life and pretty much abandoning almost all of my enjoyable leisure activities. But, I am slowly learning. Slowly being the operative word. We’ve faced some new parenting struggles (and the resurgence of some old ones) and I’m just leaning into faith and trusting that God and his people will be there, as they always have been in the past. Even when things get hard and dark and feel impossible.
I’m so glad you and your husband had a little time together, Bethany. May the Lord give you wisdom regarding your precious children, your work life balance, and downtime. May the Lord bless you, Bethany!
Bethany it is wonderful to have that uninterrupted time with your husband! So glad you enjoyed that special treat. The mystery series sounds fun, I enjoyed Bones, I may check that out. I can understnad how work plays into the “braved’section, as it can demand so much of us at times! Thank you for sharing these personal moments with us!
Having alone time with your husband is awesome. My kids are 19 and 17 and it’s still a rare treat to have alone time (and I know it shouldn’t be!). Writing this post can be an achievement, I know I felt like it was when I finished mine yesterday, LOL!
That’s a good point! This is one of the first posts I’ve managed (or much of anything I’ve written) in the last month so I guess it is an achievement. 🙂
I have been trying (lately) to make time for run reading. A lot has to do with my age/my season of life, I believe. I struggle to find something that captures my attention quickly enough. But, I am determined. Thanks for the suggestion. I certainly (very much) enjoy the tv shows you mentioned – so now I am intrigued by these books!
I’m glad you and your husband were able to have some time alone together. We don’t get it often ourselves and it’s so refreshing when we do.
Keeping everything going does deserve a gold star. 🙂 Praying that you’re able to find a better balance though, and can set boundaries that are healthy.