Two Pages of 365 Filled In

I’m still having a hard time believing it’s 2014 already…and two days into this new year.

I made a decision on December 31 that I’m considering 2014 a 365 blank page book, and it’s it really up to God and to me what’s written in that book. Much of it I’ll share here throughout the year, and that’s one reason I started my blog over six years ago…to have a written account of my life, mainly for my children to have in years to come. Who knows…maybe I will be inspired to compile some writings into a book. Or maybe they’ll just stay here. I’ll stay tuned to see what God says about that. 🙂

But two days into this year, I can say I am at peace. It’s been a long while since I’ve been able to feel that, yet voice it. It’s felt good (no, actually it’s been quite refreshing) to not be under any stress, or experience any unnecessary drama in the last week or so. I woke up this morning with such joy with the realization that today was what I considered the beginning to a new journey for me. Christmas and all the wonderful festivities of it have passed, the celebrations of me turning another year older are over, my sickness is gone, the celebration of a new year with friends and family is behind me, and so today as life was proceeding ahead, it seemed like it was the first day of this new chapter in my life. And I embraced it with open arms.

As I enjoyed my morning coffee, unrushed, I thought about the day ahead of me. I knew how I wanted to spend my day…reading God’s Word, possibly taking down the Christmas tree and decorations, making a nice dinner for my family, catching up on laundry, and catching up in the social media world. But it wasn’t long after “planning” my day that I was jolted back to reality with the realization, as Zach was walking out the door, that I forgot I needed to provide dessert for two dozen at the Show Choir Tech Rehearsal Day. Seriously?? How did I forget that?? Zach left with the car, Bill was going to school to help straight from work with our SUV, and I was left with his farm truck and no keys. And I couldn’t reach Bill on his phone for the life of me.

So much for my unrushed morning. I hurried and made a pan of Rice Krispy treats, got in the shower, and began the hunt for keys so I could make it to school by 11am. Bill finally called me back (his phone was dead), and knew exactly where his keys were. In the meantime, Alissa called and said she could pick up some cookies and take them over to the school before she needed to be at work. Whew…crisis averted! She blessed me and my morning.

I was dressed and ready to go for my day, however, so I made another cup of coffee and happily started laundry. I finished my Bible study, sat and spent some time reading through some powerful Psalms which encouraged my heart (Psalm 40 really spoke to me), took down the Christmas tree and all the decorations, and even enjoyed a couple of some of the best Rice Krispy treats I’ve ever made. 🙂 When Zach came home, it was a joy to sit with him and hear about his show choir rehearsal day. I wasn’t rushed or preoccupied… what a change. I’d say it was a good day.

I was blessed this afternoon to receive a text from a “newer” friend who asked if I enjoyed some quiet time today. I sure did. And I look forward to more days filled with quiet time. I know it’ll be through the quiet times that God will speak to me and guide me to what He has for me next. 🙂

Part of today’s reading from Jesus Calling was, “Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.”

Amen. I’m looking forward to filling this 365 page book… 363 days yet to be filled in.