A couple of weekends ago I took a little rest at the lake, a “time-out” if you will, to just be and do nothing. I slept in late two days in a row, skipped my long run on Saturday, stayed in pjs for an extra long time both days, went out for coffee later than usual, and soaked up the sun while reading my book, all with no sense of urgency or hurry or guilt. It was, quite simply, FANTASTIC. This is totally not my normal mode of operation, but it felt so good, and I know this girl could stand to use more weekends like this every once in a while.
After getting settled back at our place following my coffee run that Saturday morning, I decided to catch up on an Influence Network class I had been interested in watching from a couple of weeks prior. The title of the class was “Abiding in Every Season” (taught by Jess Connolly) and it was seriously perfect as it spoke right to my heart and soul.
The concept of “abiding in God” is something I have delved into the past two summers and it has again resurfaced this year. I’ve learned about what it means to abide in Him through study and experience, and I know it’s about more than just resting in Him for a season, but rather, living a lifestyle of abiding in Him, every day, through each season, and in all things. And even though I know this, I can always stand to have the reminder because it’s so important to my well-being and health, on every level. When I am abiding, trusting, resting, and seeking Him, my days are more secure and my life is more full. Like I’ve said here before, and will continue to say until the day I die, my life just doesn’t work without God.
So, friends, I am in a season of abiding again this summer. And what that looks like for me is a combination of both grace and adventure. It involves soaking in every minute of these long, sunny days. Breathing in the fresh air. Splashing in the water. Being in the Word of God. Dancing, playing, and being silly with my hubby. Spending quality time with my people. Laughing until my cheeks hurt. Encouraging others, while being encouraged myself. Reading all of the books I can get my hands on. Driving with the windows rolled down and the music turned up. Feeling the wind on my face as I jet-ski over the big expanse of Lake Michigan. Feeling the sticky heat on my skin as I run at sunrise. Cultivating contentment, finding stillness, and living free each day. And being at rest and fully present in the here and now.
Abiding in God this summer also looks like retreating and unplugging. And I’m so very excited for the hubby and I to do just that at the end of this week, when we will be embarking on our annual anniversary vacation to Northern California. This is going to be the perfect time of drawing away together to focus on the things that matter out in the beauty and majesty of nature. My hope and prayer is to set aside the distractions (social media, in particular) and give God the floor as we spend time in His creation and take in new sights, share new experiences together, and celebrate these past nine years as husband and wife. I really want to hear from God in this time away as we road-trip, hike, and explore. My hope for this vacation is that it will encapsulate everything that abiding in Him is supposed to be and result in both Kenny and I returning to normal life refreshed, strengthened, inspired, at rest, and at peace in Him.
Every year I take something new away from this set aside time to be with the hubby and commune with God in His creation. I have no doubt it’s going to be a blessed time again this year, and I’m anxious for what He will reveal and speak to us in our time with Him in the mountains and meadows and emerald waters. I’m so ready for all that He has in store this coming week and the new level of abiding this will take us to with Him.
Here’s to abiding, adventure, and celebrating our 9 year anniversary!
featured image above: britt bass turner