Moving

We're headed to Michigan! A great deal has happened in the last month and T and I are relocating...our home, our jobs, our lives. It's slightly scary, but the excitement of this adventure prevails. We began a list of blessings and signs that are directing us to this move and have over 40 items on the list already! God is good. And we are certain this has been in the works for a looong time. I think we must be slow to tune in to God's plan for us - or at least, we need some life-altering action to get us to become aware. One morning I woke up and decided that I would recommit myself to my work. I resolved to forgive past transgressions and hurts and would renew my attitude. That very same day, I was struck by lightning - receiving a jolt to my pride and the core of my being. My life changed in an instant. God is good! It turns out that I am recommitting myself to my work, forgiving all past trangressions and hurts - but the work is not what I originally thought. I'd been stalling, procrastinating, putting off God's plan. Not any more! God is making a way for us and He is directing my steps as well as nurturing me. God is great!

Weekends

Dad would come home Friday evening and he and mom would hold hands and dance around the kitchen singing, "It's the weekend! It's the weekend!" This excited me and my brothers and sister (until we got older and thought it was silly). The promise of a two whole days to spend together, cartoons and Creature Feature, camping, going to birthday parties or just doing yard work - well, that was a treat! Now, married 17 years to Todd, he and I dance and sing the Weekend Song on Friday evenings. Two joyful grown-ups dancing and singing in the kitchen, just like my parents.

That's how I want to approach pottery making. And yet, I don't. My friend, Lori, once asked me if it was fear that kept me out of my shop. She meant fear of success. After a few seconds thought, I decided it wasn't fear, but an inability to rebound from the work week, a paralysis of my creativity from the weariness of being pushed and pulled in all directions from everyone. On weeknights, as soon as I began to feel refreshed, it was time to go to bed! And on weekends, well, I needed both days to fully recover/prepare for the week ahead. I wear so many buffering layers at work to protect me from external forces, that it takes too long to change out of my work clothes!

A realization has dawned on me recently - if I don't take time to jump into my joy, despite being tired, overwhelmed at work, weary from burdens, etc., there will never be time. What is the use of singing the Weekend Song if all you're going to do is laundry, housework and errands, without the joy?

So, I've already turned on the heater and it's cozy in my shop. Todd has promised to help me over any stumbling blocks I am likely to throw in front of me and I am set for a weekend of making pottery. A time to create, dream, worship, sing, pray, laugh and be joyful. It's the weekend! It's the weekend!