I don't normally shout accolades of birthday joy to myself (although I'm a HUGE birthday lover), but wanted to share the incredible birthday gift Aron gave me. He took Monday (the day after my birthday) off from work, cared for all 3 kiddos, and sent me down to the San Diego Botanic Garden to have a vision/reflection day. All day.
It was absolutely incredible.
He knew just what I needed, sacrificially gave of his time so I could be renewed, and put great thought and detail into my "agenda" for the day.
It started with having me find a quiet spot to reflect and pray and settle my heart. I chose the above bench under a grove of trees; my soul felt at rest immediately. Aron had me journal and reflect on the past year: what were my greatest joys? My greatest sorrows and failures? I took time to pray and reflect and seek the Lord. Aron allotted a certain amount of time for each activity (ranging from 15 minutes to 60 minutes; I modified as I went).
The meat and potatoes of the day was writing down my *3 Hopes* for the coming year, in great detail and with practical application; this is something I've been really struggling with (possibly the greatest understatement of the century) for quite some time now. I want to DO so much. All the time. I want to be good at EVERYTHING. I want to excel in ALL areas of life. And I cannot. I'm learning to embrace my humanity and my limitations and instead focus on what I AM good at, what I LOVE, and what I want to LEARN.
The poem I wrote on the giant chalkboard above (it was GIANT) summed up my day, despite a misspelling (I loathe misspellings): "Solitude brings chaos and amidst the chaos quiet and hope." One of my activities Aron laid out was to create something; I think this counts?
I walked away with a renewed sense of vision in my life. I really did. I'm forever grateful to my sweet husband.
The day ended with a manicure and pedicure and a delicious Thai dinner out.
(If you are interested in the actual doc he wrote up, let me know and I'll email it to you).
I love your meat and potatoes moment. There is so much in what you said. I'm so glad the day was as incredible as it looked to be. xxoo
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, great gift. Does he know you well or what? :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a sweet husband Suz. I'm glad he takes such good care of you.
ReplyDeleteThat just put me to tears....Happy late bday suzanne :)
ReplyDeleteLove it. Great photos and such a beautiful place to think about things that there is never enough time to think about. So glad you were refreshed and encouraged by that day. Such a good idea. Happy birthday, friend. You are special!! xoxxo
ReplyDeletewow. that is amazing! Love what he gave you and love what you gave yourself right back. what a thoughtful husband you have, and what a lovely woman you are!
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