Last week was Spring Break for the main school system around here, which meant my schedule was both 1) different and 2) busy. The preschool where I work was closed; the kids I nanny for were out of town. With two out of my four jobs out of the picture, you'd think I'd be less busy. Well, at times I was. I still managed to work every day last week (except for Sunday, of course). And when I was at work, it was INSANE. I couldn't WAIT for Sunday to come.
But I found some nice pockets of time where I was able to take care of some things.
--I finished reading a book I need to review, but I think I'm going to reread it before getting to that.
--I actually found a little time to edit my second book. It wasn't much, but it was something--which is way better than nothing. I'm a little discouraged at how bad the beginning of this book still is, and I have a feeling I'm going to have to send the first several chapters through the "editing mill" a few more times before I'm even close to being happy. But honestly, this is part of the writing gig. I've got to put on my big girl pants and get used to the idea. Praying for a breakthrough though...it needs something....
--I finally found time to run ten miles! What with work and unexpected rain delays, I didn't know if I'd have the time, much less the energy, to do it. But Friday, after work, God provided both the time and the energy and the strength (and beautiful, nearly perfect 60ish degree weather). I can't describe the feeling, when I put my foot down on that concrete at the end of the sidewalk, realizing I, pansy girl Ruth Campbell, had just run ten miles. I know I keep repeating myself, but I'm still in total shock that God has allowed me to run and allowed me to enjoy it. For me, running has become an act of worship, like writing, singing, etc.--and really, everything I do is supposed to be an act of worship. But unlike writing, singing, etc., running doesn't come easily or naturally for me. I have to hope in the Lord to give me strength (and renew my strength) with every step that I take. It has been quite an adventure, and I can't shut up about it. I'm not sure that I'm supposed to shut up about it. The running, etc. group (http://www.thesecondwind.net/) I run with has just started up a new spring season, and I'm excited about what God is doing. If you're in the Raleigh, NC area, come join us!
--I drank tea. And sat in the rocking chair on my front porch. And read a book. That's a big deal.
--I watched a movie for fun because I wanted to. The Muppets. Really good. I laughed SO hard.
--I had to buy a new tire. Saturday morning, I had planned to help out with an Easter Egg hunt at my church, but when I tried to drive there, I found that my tire was flat. So, I spent the morning at the tire shop instead. Turns out there was a hole in the side of the tire, where they could not repair it. Two of my tires were under warranty, but of course, the damaged one was not one of them. So, after an oil change, a new tire, a warranty plan on said new tire, and some other stuff, I put a lot of money on the credit card I'm actually trying to pay off. So, my debt is growing instead of shrinking. But--it's really not a big deal. Unexpected stuff happens. I have far too much to be thankful for to get stressed over money.
Honestly, with all the various work issues and tire issues and life issues of last week, I was really ready for a break. I was ready for Easter to come. And it came. It didn't just come yesterday, but it came 2000 years ago. Jesus didn't stay in the grave. Death could not hold Him. And so no matter what else happens, I have hope. My hope isn't in me. My hope isn't in my finances or my jobs. My hope isn't in my abilities, as if I could claim credit for even the ones that come easily. Everything I have is a gift, and sometimes gifts are hard to accept. Sometimes it's hard to accept that I'm a weak sinner and that I can't do anything to save myself. Sometimes it's hard to accept the grace of God--but Jesus died so that I could have that grace. My hope is in Him.
And this week:
--I want to run another ten miles.
--I want to get back to the old work routine. I miss my preschool kids and the girls I watch!
--I want to edit my book some more.
--I want to start reading Slide by Jill Hathaway. Amazon finally delivered it, and I finally finished the other book so I can start it!
--I want to play my guitar for more than just a few minutes. Something tells me it's time to write another song soon.
--I so need to work on a job application.
Yeah. There's lots of things I want to do. I don't know if I'll do them. Unexpected things (like flat tires) happen. And that's okay. Everything that comes my way is allowed by grace. Everything that comes my way is an opportunity to trust God and love others. And I don't have any reason to worry about any battles I face, because Christ has already won this war.
And this is still my song for 2012. May it be a blessing as you start this week. Hopeful Monday!
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