Volume 110: Rest in Presence

Getting to spend time with Elliott Curry and Adeline Voss TOGETHER???? 

OF COURSE it deserves it's very own post!!

Slow.

Quiet.

Thoughtful conversations. 

Joy in the small things. 

REST. 

Stopping to look at the leaves on the hike with Luke. 

Speaking of Luke... look how PERFECT he is!!!

Sitting at the picnic table with Adeline. 

Laughing at the stupidity of Mario Party mini games. 

Beautiful weather - sun out and wind blowing.

Eating meals together, around the table. 

There was a moment, as I looked around, we were all sitting on the ground in the living room. The couch and recliner were empty... But we were on the hard floor. Why?

We were sitting with Luke. Being present with the one year old child who needed us on his level. 

We could have just sat him on the ground and ignored him, as we continued in conversation. But what a beautiful thing to be fully present with the people around you, even if he can't talk back to you. 

Presence. There's power in it!

Right before break, Debbie sent me an image with the quote "Surround yourself with women who sit at the feet of Jesus. The conversations sound different. The suffering looks different. The encouragement feels different. You walk away from each other feeling inspired, not inferior, because those are women who know your life together isn't competition, but rather a race you run hand in hand towards the greatest victory any of you will ever know."

Along with the photo, Debbie stated "I am so rich with good friends. Do we need anything more?"

And man she was on to something! Christ centered friendships... nothing can beat them! What JOY it is to have that with all of you.

On the last night at the cabin, as we sat around the table, eating Adeline's delicious homemade meal, I ~accidentally~ got emotional sharing my gratitude for them. For the way that God blessed me with the Curry's in Greenville and the Vosses in Chattanooga. 

For the way they welcomed me into their marriages. 
All of the meals shared together. 
All of the play. 
And conversations. 
All so special. 

All of the car rides. 

In the book Made For People by Justin Whitmel Earley, he writes "To be a friend is to stand together facing all this mess of life and say, "instead of letting the future shape our friendship, let's work to make this friendship shape our future."

Oh speaking of that book, let's not forget my claim to fame of being featured on his Instagram!!!

Anyways, I am grateful for friends like Adeline and Elliott (and Andrew & Seth of course!). 

I am grateful for friendships that make me better!

Friends who survive long distance! 

And friends who I spend time with and leave feeling refreshed and encouraged and loved and... RESTED!

Amen, so thank you all!!! Here's to 2025 for all of you!

***May this be the moment you realize, "what! I wish I was there! We MUST have an Unpluggers retreat ASAP!!!!!!!"***