Vacation

I'll keep this short:
Hilton Head dreaming. To grandparents traveling. Carter's shopping. Register ringing. Emmy watching. Cooler packing. 16 Land's End arriving. Porch sitting. Beach playing. Sand throwing. Fun having. Grill outing. Bike riding. Me sweating. Date night having. Let's wait til they're asleep returning. Sunny day enjoying. Burgers on the beach eating. Me reading. Alex bugs biting. Aunt Susan visiting. Pictures taking. Kids squirming. Last meal partaking. Homeward going. New record making: no vomit attacking. We'll be returning!

Home.

For me, home is now Middle Georgia. I really like living here now. Almost 13 (gasp!) years ago, I was a sophomore in college, heading to my first Campus Crusade Christmas conference, and I remember first passing the model plane that sits off I-75. My new car buddy and I scoffed at such a random eyesore, not knowing that the Aviation museum was several miles down the road. Little did I know that one day this very exit would be the hub of most of my activities. Irony, irony.

Perspective is everything, and mine's obviously changed. We moved to middle Georgia when Jeremiah was 6 weeks old. Our family life began here. I remember nursing him in a lady's stall at our now-church home. He pottied there, too, a few months ago. Silly, but that's the stuff I remember. Little milestones.

Living in the suburbs of Atlanta was all I could have imagined for myself. Arts and culture in the heart of town, malls and McMansions in the neighborhoods. We were by no means on the 'fast track', but greatly influenced by it. The schools, the churches, community sports-- everything was, and had to be, the best. We were Geo Metros in a leased Lexus world. My doctor's office-- top notch. Oil paintings on the wall, all the pregnant ladies manicured and professional.

Here in Middle Georgia, where our second child was born? Efficient, but over-worked doctors. There were no "let's get to know each other" or "what's your birth plan?" conversations in plush chairs. It was "baby looks good, feelin' okay?, see you next month" visits.

But.... Sarah's baby nurse, who saw us wait and worry over a MRI for a spinal concern and saw us leave without the procedure, gave me her number, asking me to call when we found out if there was a problem. She took an interest. She cared. I called her back twice, finally able to share good news.

It seems that people here have time to show they care. There's a little less distraction, less traffic, less keeping-up. More openness about faith. More manners practiced and kindness. Our pastors and staff know our names. And they genuinely care. We don't just attend church; we belong. It's neat. Alex has a great company and a boss he respects, which I'd say is rare.

Less opportunity for fine culture, perhaps, and more events at an "Ag Center" than I would have ever imagined attending. But I like it. We've become a family here.

There's no place like home.

Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter...

I began a new bible study with the ladies of my church entitled "John, The Beloved Disciple" by our friend, Beth (Moore).  In the introduction video, she encouraged us to write a letter to God honestly laying out all the things we really desire.  The study centers on the heart, as John identified himself as "the one Jesus loved". 

I haven't written mine yet (though I will).  However, when I examine what I think about when my mind wanders, it often goes to what I desire.  And most of what I desire is pitifully small in terms of eternity.  I know God will, and has, meet my every need.  I just need Him to reveal what my needs really are.

I like stuff.  (That's shocking.)  Like I-phones.  And mini-vans with automatic doors.  And Southern Living decor, and Pottery Barn Kids catalogs, and fully funded emergency accounts and all things shiny and new. (Hey buddy, I like new stuff).  We all do.  If I pretend I don't like and want that stuff sometimes, I'm just a hypocrite.  Anyway.  This stuff  preoccupies my thoughts at times, even though I know any thing, or even any relationship or quality or goal apart from God's perfect timing is a striving against the wind, to quote my bud Solomon.

So, I think I "want" contentment.  I want to actively seek and find Jesus and let him deal with all my wants.  'Cause my wants--from the trivial to the sacred-- will only be blessings in His time.  HIS time, Melissa.  His time.

And, y'all, my sweet father-in-law upgraded our family phone plan and I'm getting a fancy phone that I don't need, but want.  Keep me in check and make sure I still watch the children and don't suffer from cool phone addiction.  And smile, too.  'Cause it's okay to enjoy a cool phone.  Because I delight in the Giver of all good things, not because he is the Giver, but because he is GOD.

And........... I think I think too much, but that's how he made me!