strange day

so don't let the title fool you...it wasn't really all that 'strange'...just when things don't evolve the way i think they should sometimes, then i have a tendency to think somethings weird. however, it was a good day. i actually spent most of the day at home and that was much needed. i spent my morning praying and listening...and taking some things back to God again. it was quite peaceful and enjoyable and i must say i am in need of more of that! my girls (who are 5 & 7) had a half day at school so unfortunately, the bliss didn't last forever. but thats okay, they are very blissful just a different kind! they came home and played and played and i was able to nap. it was great. not sure my body knew what was going on, and i felt rather cranky the rest of the day but i do think i needed it. then, duane called. around 5, i think. it's nice to talk but it's funny you kind of run out of things to say....but at the same time you just want that person to be there, on the other line and you're okay with the silence. (for those uninformed he's out of the country right now) i think it's because duane and i are so close and have spent so much time in silence (as well as lots of conversation in 12 years, don't get me wrong) but there's something good about just being able to "be" together. i love that. it's one of my favorite trait in relationships! a lot of people who know me well, can't imagine me ever being quiet but i do have that side. and i had to learn it. not so much around people, but by myself. thats an interesting thing - try it! at first its so very strange and for me i have a hard time just sitting still but once i have begun to practice it, i get so much out of it! just pausing throughout the day is vital, i think. granted, those times can be very hard to come by for most people but next time you find yourself alone and with even a moment of time....give it a shot. turn down the music in the car, turn off the news (for HEAVENS sake) on the t.v., go to a room (even the bathroom) and shut the door, step outside for a moment, or take a walk. if you have children, pause for a moment as they are drifting off for nap or bedtime, or with older children begin to teach them the value of silence, and "alone time" - we call it quiet time here. it doesn't happen that often, but we are working on it. i guess what i'm saying is we have to be able to find comfort in that. then, we can enjoy those moments with others. and the best part? the listening. God is always speaking, are we taking the time to hear it?
happy labor day weekend!! make it count.