Two words: *Happy Sigh* June 2, 2008

I was sitting in my car with Mel on Friday night a week ago. We were enjoying some ice cream and a long discussion about life. The joys, the sorrows, the uncertainties and everything in between. So many things are going on right now with so many of those near and dear to my heart. Many of us are facing some big decisions, others big changes and some of us are facing both. I was getting ready to say goodbye to Mel before she left for SMITE and I headed to Big Sandy to spend the weekend with Sarah. As we talked, my phone started ringing. It was Sarah.

Sarah: HI ERIN!!!!

Me: Hi ya Sarah!!!!

Sarah: I am calling because I wanted to talk to you about this weekend!!

Me: OK!! Can’t wait!!!!

Sarah: Me either!! Ok, well, Chris and Catherine are at my house in Louisiana and I need to head home sometime on Sunday afternoon. My family is going to Mississippi for a few days and then we’re having our Family Reunion and crawfish boil on Saturday. Soooo, that doesn’t give us much time. *frowny tone*

Me: Hmm…

Sarah: BUT!!!! My Dad called me and asked me if you have a job…

Me: Several in fact….

Sarah: I said yes and he said, well, can she get out of it?? I said, why, do you have a job for her?? But he wants to invite you to come home with me and go to Mississippi with us and then you can come back to Big Sandy with me next weekend and head home from there!!! What do you think??

Me: Wow. That would be so much fun and that’s so sweet!!!! I just don’t really see how it’s possible though. *sigh* I only have two more weeks with the boys and babysitting and all kinds of stuff to do. There’s just no way….

Sarah: I didn’t think you could, buuuuuuut I had to ask. *sigh*

Me: Thank you for asking!! We’ll still have a great time….

Sarah: We will!!!!! And if anything changes between now and 8am, CALL ME!!!!

Me: *laughing* Ok, I will. See you soon.

Sarah: OK!! Love you!!! Bye!!!

Me: Love you too!! Bye!!

Mel: Did she just invite you to what I think she just invited you to????

Me: Mississippi and a craw-fish boil??

Mel: I thought so… *sigh* I’ve wanted to go with her and every time it just hasn’t worked out!! I’m SO jealous. *sigh*

Me: Well, it doesn’t matter, because I’m not going.

Mel and I said our goodbyes and I got in the car to head home and pack. I thought about going to Big Sandy, Louisiana, Mississippi, Louisiana, Big Sandy and home again. It was tempting. I’ve been pretty much at the point of exhaustion for a long while now. No time to rest, really rest. No time to BE. No time to just listen to the Lord. Yes, it was VERY tempting.

I got home and told my parents what Sarah had called about. They just looked at me. I said “I want to go!!!!!!!” *sniff* My Dad said, then go!! I can’t!!! I wailed. *sniff* I have too much to do this week. *sigh* I went to my room. Hmmm….I could always email the boy’s Mom and just see what happens. *smile* Maybe…..I will!!!!! So I did. And then, I called Sarah and much to her surprise, I told her I was coming. So, at 11pm Friday night, I packed up for 9 days.

There is too much to even write about this trip. I can honestly say, it was perfect. PERFECT. We did so many nothings, and the nothingness was the best part. I had quiet times that I’d been lacking, felt the presence of Jesus, heard His voice and cried out to Him with all the feelings that have been overwhelming me for so long now, I had some of the best talks with a dear friend, cried tears with her and shared many giggles over simple amusements, soaked up the most beautiful sunshine, felt the most peaceful and calm of breezes, took some relaxing walks and enjoyed shade provided by trees that were so lovely and green, we laid in the hammock, ate by the river, and basked in the warmth and joy of Christian sisterhood.

Amazingly enough, the week has really gone by so slowly and for that I am grateful!! Often times, weeks of rest or vacation are over before they start and you wonder how the time flew. I’m so glad the Lord just let this one stretch out and seem long.

As I write this, I’m in the car on my way back to Big Sandy where I will say goodbye, get in my car and drive back to Houston…and somehow, I dread going back. Not that I dread going home, because I have missed my family so much this week and I can’t wait to see them. But I dread not knowing what life holds around the corner. This is my last week with the boys and my life is about to get significantly more simple. I must admit, I’m scared and excited…and lately, I think I’ve experienced just about every emotion known to man. (or woman I should say….every emotion known to man probably isn’t much. JUST KIDDING GUYS!!! Mwa ha ha ha ha ha.) Ok, in all seriousness though, it’s like Sarah said just a little while ago, “A thousand thoughts, no words”. And that, is exactly where I am.

So, home I will go. I will enjoy my last week with the boys and I will keep crying out for answers and direction from the Father. AND, I will be thankful for the week I just experienced for a long time to come. *smile*

I’ll close with this song that has meant so much to me this week…this is the song of my heart:

All the way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me Grace for every trial, feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter and my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me, oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.

To see more pictures from the week, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ewychopen