happy thoughts

Last week was a bit of a rough patch for me, and it took until Wednesday or Thursday to realize I was down. I could pinpoint several triggers, but found little solace in reflecting on why I was feeling what I was feeling, initially. For a variety of reasons, it was a long, quiet, lonely week. Some weeks are just like that. I did try to be in the moment and in prayer. Our family is in a time of transition, gearing up for the possiblity of full-time seminary for Aron (still not sure if that will yet work), or full-time ministry. I long for clarity and yet, it remains at large. Aron's job was particularly draining this week and has been since we got home from vacation in early July. In the past 3 weeks, he has pulled several almost-all nighters, only to turn around and work a 12-hour or more day. It's insane. We are eager for change, ready to move on to a different lifestyle than this job has been giving us for the past several years. It's a good job, don't get me wrong, and yet, long-term, it's not a fit for our growing family. We'd appreciate your prayers in the coming weeks as we make some decisions on what is next.

In the midst of this week, I realized I should compile my "happy thoughts" list, like my friends Shel and La do when things have been tough. I love to do this kind of list (I'm a list person anyway), as it puts the negative or discouraging moments into perspective.

*A swim day with friends on Tuesday
*Friday coffee with Erin and earlier, shopping in downtown McKinney with our kiddos
*Making a new recipe last night, sweet potato soup (one of Patrice's)--amazing! I'm longing for fall...
*Aron playing guitar most evenings this week
*Starting Leif Enger's new book, So Brave, Young, and Handsome, and falling in love with reading all over again
*Maggie's sweet spirit
*Remembering God's faithfulness in helping us sell our house so quickly, in this down-market
*Journaling and time alone last night at Starbucks