To Have and to Hold

When we were married 22 years ago, we were PO-OO-OR.  Our seven hundred dollar budget for the wedding didn't leave much to honeymoon, which is why we went simple and stayed at a tiny fishing cabin on Kentucky Lake.

Not much has changed in two decades, other than maybe we've dropped an O or two.

Each anniversary we try to get away though, often back to that same beautiful lake.  On our lucky 13th, we were blessed to finally go on our "dream honeymoon" to Jamaica.  The past few years, it's worked out that church camp falls right around June 21 so we have an easy escape.

This year, I was hobbling around from a recent fall so we spent our special day resting in the living room.  My hope was that I'd feel better by this week, when the kids were gone to camp.  And although Tim was swamped at work, he promised to find a way for at least a one day getaway.

Saturday night, he came hobbling in the door.

For the next 48 hours we spent a great deal of time at various doctor offices hearing "broken fibula" and worrying about recovery.  Thankfully, ortho doesn't believe he has a fracture but Tim is looking at several weeks of healing.  I guess the unexpected blessing is that now his one day off has been extended, even if he doesn't feel like doing much.

I went to bed a little grumpy Tuesday night, throwing a pity party in my head on our change of plans, as Tim read the Bible.  Before turning off the light he grabbed my hand and made a comment about how much we have to be grateful for.

Yes, Lord, I needed this reminder.  

This minor bump in the road is nothing compared to what others are facing right now -or what we've already endured.  And as I gently wrapped my arms around my husband, I pulled him closer, thankful I still have him to hold.

Yesterday was the first day of my vacation, which I'd already signed up for, but no exotic adventure awaited me.  Neither of us feel like going far, and it'd be a turtle's race to see who could get there faster; but hey - at least we have each other!

#ISuckAtSelfies

As I brought him breakfast, I joked we were living it up at Blair's B&B but that mentality stuck.  After all, what do you really do on vacation?  You relax, nap when you want, eat yummy food, shop a little, go sightseeing and spend time together.

Tim got in several naps and I used the alone time to read and relax.  We ventured out for a matinee, laughed and ate too much popcorn.  Killing time before the movie we "shopped" at the pet store nearby and played with the birds.  I grilled us two yummy steaks for dinner. And we've spent lots of time cuddled together.

 Sounds like a pretty good vacation Day 1 to me!

JOY in every day

Finding JOY in every day are the first words you see upon opening my blog. It was the concept and inspiration for starting this journey. It is what drives every post. And it is what brought me out of bed five years ago when I was in my deepest, darkest days of grief from losing Austin.

Yet, I've noticed I've been a little void of joy these past several weeks. I've let troubles of this world overcome the ultimate joy I know.

In my quest to start this year anew, I'm getting back to basics. Not just finding it, but reveling in the joy.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Posting Friday I noticed a theme. So far this month the only time I've consistently written has been for my "Faithful Friday" series. That's been the case for a large percentage of my posts the past few months. But there's joy to be found on more than just Fridays.

So where else has there been joy this past week?

Celebrating my niece's 18th birthday and feeling her joy in being with siblings & family on her special day. An extra worship opportunity last Sunday night, as our praise band played at a local snow cone shop. Outdoors...summertime...church family & great music. Watching Tim feel baby Rae kick from my sister's belly. Schools days saw the return of Rose & Thorn. The bonus of beginning the day in scripture with the kids, each of them reading a daily verse. Grounding our morning with family prayer before parting to start our days. Unlikely, beautiful fall-like temperatures made for some amazing weather. Drawing from the peace my windchimes brought off the back deck. Two new recipes tried and loved. Texts from my aunt. Snuggle time with Noah in his big comfy bed. Two kids wanting so desperately not to miss Wed night youth made for juggling of rides and schedules, due to a painful rib, but it reminded me of a patient husband and willing friends ready to step in. Negative test results. Thank you, Jesus. A special friend, who miles may seperate, but is always there. Being held in prayer and having the blessing of praying for others. Lunch with my mom & little sis. Special, heartfelt words from volunteers and friends. Dad coming through surgery and going home. Laughing so much it hurts (which isn't hard to do these days!) Tech free family time. Pastel sunsets. Farmer's Market. Hearing Tina's excited recap of a Christian concert with friends. Time with God.

And those are just what this broken old body can quickly recall. May I start this week pausing in every little joy, praising him for the moments, and counting my blessings along the way.

Joyful wishes for your week ahead...

P.S. Sorry for the sloppy formatting and photo. Blogger is not playing nice again...but I'm not letting steal it my JOY!