NZ Adventure - Day 13

3 days left. Spent time FB chatting with Marc and Anna today. They have begun their week already with a Rotary meeting and training today (tomorrow? yesterday?) Boy are we all ready for them to be home.

The kids and I went to church this morning. I didn't want to go to church. I didn't want to answer people's 'Why are you here, I thought you were going to NZ?', 'When are they coming back?', and 'How can you handle all of his travel?' I didn't want to get weepy in the overwhelming spirit of gratitude and love. (I am profoundly touched by the part of the Body we are hanging out with at PSUMC.)  I wanted to be alone in my Hobbit-hole.

But we went to church. Not because it was the right religious thing to do, but because I know that when I don't want to be around people, when I want to curl up in my hole, I'd better haul my butt out of the house for my sake and the sake of my family. And we went, and the questions were asked, and I was in tears within the first five minutes of the service (the announcement about training to volunteer for the homeless overflow did me in).  And it was a good thing. It is good to be loved and vulnerable and NOT alone (and yes being with my two kids is being 'alone' sometimes).

I met someone this fall who has run three half-marathons. She has no aspirations for a full-marathon. And she has no love for the half-marathon. She says she just woke up one day and realized she'd better get to doing something. I think she is one of the most inspiring fitness/athletic stories I know. And days like today, I think of her, and haul myself out to church (tomorrow it will be the gym) not because I expect to love it (though I usually do) but because I better get to doing something.

As I finish out my NZ adventure this week, I am wondering if my goal will be to stay posting daily and what direction that might take. This week I am going to use the scripture read in church today (Philippians 4:4-9) as I prepare for and celebrate Thanksgiving with my reunited family.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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