 |
Slice of Life Stories hosted
by the Two Writing Teachers
|
Whew. I missed you all, but I needed those couple weeks off. Days away from writing, twittering, blogging, social media mediums-of-all-kinds. (Well, except Pinterest. I just couldn't stay away.)
It was good for my soul to do a little missing. I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. It's that season of lows as a teacher (any time before a long break) crashing into caring-too-much-about-everything and then the unthinkable at Sandy Hook.
My BIG problems didn't seem so big any more. I'll be forever changed.
I took my two week winter break and played and sang and danced and laughed and read with my two and a half year olds. I enjoyed the little moments. I enjoyed being a full time mom (most of the time). I enjoyed these two precious gifts from God. I enjoyed time with family and friends. I enjoyed sleeping in and living in the moment. I enjoyed some organizing. I enjoyed some reading - I received volume 3 of my very own slices published! (Thanks Mom and Dad!)
And then there was an explosion of talk about the One Little Word. One little word that I forgot to think about for the new year with all the living I was doing. But my one little word still found me. Thank God. (No, really.)
I am a believer. I am a Christian. I'm not one to usually write about my faith. We have been attending a new church for a year, and I have grown as a christian understanding more now than all the years growing up in a church. It just makes sense to me now and being open to understanding helps a bit too. But there's always room to grow more with . . .
That is my one little word for the year. Trusting more in my faith. Learning about God's grace. It's all in His hands and I need to completely lean on Him for support and guidance.
And then we went to church this past Sunday to learn that one of the goals for the year is "intentional equipping." My church wants to provide more intentional equipping to follow Christ faithfully and to mature in faith.
I love when my one little word is confirmed.
And to that, I can only say Amen. I am so happy that you have found a church where you can learn and grow and share. Where would we be without our faith? The seed that was planted when you were born has been growing in you each day and is now blooming.
ReplyDeleteDear Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are back. i missed you. It's a good start for a new year - leaving exhaustion behind and taking the energy from the time spent with your family with you. You have chosen a powerful word. l like your perspective that you didn't search for the word but it found you.
A terrific word. I thought about doing a word that would help me become more intentional with regard to religion, but vitality won out this year. Maybe in 2014.
ReplyDeleteNO worries about not taking on an official role for the SOLSC. You do what you can do and that's what you should do. Poignant, I know. ;0
Reading your post reminds me so much of when my own kids were little. They are all grown up now, but some things never change. The busyness is always there...your break sounds wonderful. :) I love your word..faith is so important in all of our lives, isn't it? And what a great gift from your parents!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I changed my blog to blogger.com. I noticed my old blog is on your blog roll. My new link is raisingreadersandwriters.blogspot.com.
Oh, thanks for the heads up, Julie! Fixing that now!
DeleteYour voice was missed, but I had faith you'd be back. A change in the routine is always a treat.
ReplyDeleteLove that you are back, Michelle. I missed you, but totally understand the need to step away from it all. Here's to a great 2013!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great present from your parents! How fun! It's so nice that your word confirmed itself to you after you chose it. I hope you find many ways to strengthen your faith this year!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when God shows his hand even in selecting a word for the year!He so cares about our faith!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your voice again this week, but also glad that you had a couple of weeks with your girlies. They grow way too fast. I think faith is a great word. Praying that you will grow in faith and know His love in deep and amazing ways this year (Ephesians 3:17-20).
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to enjoy your time over the break. It sounds like just what you needed. Glad you picked faith as your one little word. The connection you made to hearing it-"faith" as confirmation that you chose well is inspiring...reminding me to pay closer attention to the details in the calling from the Lord!