Catching Up With Myself

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  So much has happened in my life and I really had planned to share it all with you.  My intentions were good – I planned to tell you I was going away and then I planned to tell you I was out of town and I planned to show you where I was – but time flew by too fast.  I was busy.  Oh, so busy!  And enjoying what I was doing.  So, my friends, I’d love to reminisce a bit and tell you all about it.

A little over a week ago I flew to Southern California to lead worship at a district ladies’ retreat.  And the bonus?  I got to spend the retreat time with my best friend from college days, plus a couple of extra days at her house!  We are kindred spirits – have been from the moment we met, all through life and to this day.  She’s a friend in the truest sense of the word.  Too bad we live so far apart but, thanks to phones, email and Facebook, we keep in touch often.

The retreat was wonderful.  Memories of the hours I spent with precious ladies there make my heart sing every time I think about it.  The speakers were good – right to my heart – and friendships were renewed and begun.  There was a sweet spirit as we hugged and laughed and sang – and let a few tears fall - and listened to the words God gave each of the speakers to share with us.  All too soon it was over.  A sweet memory.  Dear to my heart.

I flew home the next evening. About the time I boarded the plane the horizon began to change from the blue of the evening sky to the glow of a soft sunset. The colors started to change as we lifted up above the ground.  Once we were airborne and away from the lights of the Los Angeles area I watched in wonder as we flew along miles and miles of coastline heading north.  The colors took on an intensity I've never seen in a sunset from the earth's floor! The blending of the layers was subtle and I wondered if that was just a peek at what it must look like from Heaven.  Soon the night sky enveloped the earth.  There were stars above and twinkling lights of towns below.  Then, somewhere just above the Oregon border – the moon!  Just a sliver.  But bright.  And soon I was home.

Home – back to ‘real’ life and the blessings that God gives from His heart to mine every day. Home - filled with gratitude that He let me be part of a special time, in a special place.  Home - touched by God in a special way – and changed!  Home – different than I was when I went away.  Home – wanting to make every minute count.  Home – to let my light shine brighter than ever before.  Home – where I belong!