Friday, August 28, 2009

Gracious Gift


I sat down this morning to try and blog about some things I've been processing this week and John walked in the room and asked if I had a few minutes to talk. 

Some friends graciously offered us the use of their mountain cabin this weekend. They knew we were beyond tired and hoped we could get away and purposefully relax. Their cabin is in one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado, and it sounded like the perfect weekend--full of beauty, family, and rest. 

What John wanted to talk to me about was a change of plans. He has a few things weighing on him that he really has to get wrapped up this weekend. One of our kids does NOT want to go, and we still hadn't figured out what to do with Jack-the-beagle this weekend. John wondered if I would possibly consider going alone. 

Alone? To the mountains? To that place of spectacular beauty? To rest and recharge? All by myself? 

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd LOVE that.

It's a big change, but I'm thrilled. I will miss my family, but I know deep down that this is just what my weary soul needs.

My packing list is much shorter now.

I'm bringing my hiking shoes. My bear bell. Books, books, and more books. My Bible and journal. My iPod. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Jacket. Flannel pjs. SmartWool socks. Maybe a movie or two. My ball cap. Some comfort food. Coffee/tea.

I'm not packing: makeup, my cell phone (it doesn't work up there anyway), or my computer (there's no internet, but on second thought I might need it to watch a dvd). 

John and the kids may come up tomorrow for a little while, but he told me he'd really love for this weekend to be a time of rest for ME. I'm so grateful for him and his willingness to gift me this way. Also grateful for our friends, S & G, and their generous offering of their cabin. 

I've got to get going and get packed. I've already started praying for the weekend--specifically that God would meet me there! 

I'll see you all next week. In the meantime, I'll be here...unless I can find a hammock.

26 comments:

Kendra said...

I hope your time alone helps you process and digest everything from this summer. And I hope this time alone is refreshing and rejuvinating for your body and soul. You deserve it my friend!

Shanda said...

What an amazing gift! I pray that your time away-just you and God-will be peace filled and sweet.

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

I'm so happy for you! May the Lord bless and restore you while you have this time to process and contemplate all that has gone on in your life the last few months.

Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt said...

That will be PERFECT. (Trying not to be jealous.) Have a loverly time. :)

Melissa Stover said...

looks like a beautiful place!

Melissa said...

What a wonderful gift from the Lord! Praying you'll find some rest and refreshing!

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

Praise God for this gift! You need it, don't you? I'll be praying a wonderful, restful, rejuvenating time for you. Enjoy every second, Mer!

His Girl said...

ooooh, I am praising God for this news.... enjoy, sis!

Elizabeth said...

I know you know this weekend is going to be wonderful, but I hope it exceeds even your expectations! Have a restful, beautiful weekend.

*carrie* said...

Hooray--a retreat! ENJOY.

Rachel said...

I so happy for you that you are getting this opportunity! May God give you rest for your weariness and surround you with love in his beautiful creation!

Carpool Queen said...

I love it when our husbands see a need and fill it, even when it means more work for them. It restores my heart in so many ways.

Enjoy your time away.

marieDee said...

Meredith, I became a little teary-eyed while reading this blog. Not only am I happy for you, but I am fatigued and feeling that I have a tenuous control of my nerves/emotions...so in need of....something...I guess I'm saying that I relate to your feelings and how much you need this break. Your description of the place and your plans just touched me deeply. God bless.

Sitesx6 said...

Are you kidding me? Oh my goodness-what a dream come true.

Sure I'd love for the family to be there, but heck.....ALONE??? ARE YOU KIDDING. What joy.

Enjoy every moment, I hope you find rest for your weary soul and tired bones. Breathe in and out and in and out......and let go of stress and breathe in God's peace.

ENJOY IT!!!!!!! Shhhhh..what is that??? I think I hear nature calling!

Kelly in Michigan

Jacquie said...

How lovely!!! I hope you find much needed restoration.

Lindsay said...

Mer... What a blessing on many fronts. Praying for your time of rest and recuperation. Love the picture of this spot. Rejuvenates me just to look at it.

Gretchen said...

Absolutely purrfect. Much lurve to you as you rest and restore.

Brenda said...

That is so neat, Mer. Be so blessed!

Holly said...

Tell me you are in Estes Park! Praying for a wonderful weekend friend. May God come and be present and give to you the gift of His time.

Puva said...

I hope the weekend will give you the time and space you need to recharge (: All the best!

Amber said...

I hope your time away is so peaceful. And relaxing. And precious.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're there. Praying the time will be restful and healing. Love you muchly.

Robin said...

What a great gift! I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend and that God breathes peace into your life.

Christi @ Writing the Waves said...

What a blessing! Hope it does you a world of good! :) Enjoy!!

The Bowden's said...

I hope your weekend was all of the above and more. You deserve it! What a treat!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

It looks like a great place to be. How did it turn out?