I took a lovely break from everything during the holidays. I even took a break from showering or getting dressed! In the back of my mind, I kept thinking, I hope everyone in our Relief Society is hanging in there. Or, I would think, I'm pretty sure the PTA is fine right now. And I just focused all of my time and energy on my family and my house and me.
I went to the spa with my sister, Sunee. It was a gift from our husbands. We relaxed and talked and ate a really healthy lunch at their health-conscious buffet. It was such a wonderful day. I went on that overnighter with Greg, and I loved spending time with him. I played with the kids, exploring their gifts, baking yummy treats, and watching movies. I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned until everything feels fresh and orderly. I slept in and read books and ate a lot. It was such a nice break.
We were all sad to wake up Thursday morning and start our school-morning routine once again. The kids trudged out the door, sad to leave our cozy cocoon. I was sad, too. But then, the house was quiet and calm. I couldn't believe how quiet and calm it was. Lunchtime was a breeze--to make and to clean up! And I thought, okay, this is kind of nice.
I felt ready to sit down and open back up the books of my life. I pulled out my Relief Society binder and I stacked it on top of my PTA President binder. I started to get things in order and make some notes. Pretty soon, the work was piling up. PTA texts were coming in. Relief Society calls were ringing. I had a LOT to do. I just kept thinking, Goodbye, vacation. Hello, real world! And I've been on the run ever since.
By Saturday night, we were in full-swing church mode. With our church time switched to 8:30, we had to be completely on top of things by bedtime. We did showers, laid out clothing, cleaned the house, and put away laundry. Once the kids were in bed, I worked a few more hours on my lesson, which was actually our first Council Meeting of the year. I had no idea how that would go. When I felt good about all that I had planned for that, I spent another hour finalizing the Visiting Teaching changes that I have been contemplating for the last month. I had even spent time on the phone with Rachel going over things for Sunday.
By the time I fell asleep, my brain was still going 100 miles per hour. I set the alarm for the morning and felt anxious about losing a morning of rest. Sure enough, Lance woke me up before the alarm, so I wouldn't have slept in anyway.
Everything ran like clockwork, and I felt so good about my new Sunday outfit. Emma and I had gone shopping earlier in the week. I came home loaded with ten new Church outfits. I'm so excited, I could burst!! So, there I was, all dressed and ready to go. Everything went like clockwork. We got the kids up. They were all helpful and quickly got ready. We made it to church early, and ready for the day.
It was such a beautiful day at church. Lance went to his first day of Sunbeams. He pretty much hated it, and he is the youngest one, but we all acted super excited for him, so we will see what happens next week. I led the day in Relief Society. I had studied and prayed so hard for help and guidance. I felt my own abilities were expanded. I gathered that huge room of sisters into a circle, and we shared a warm, delightful discussion. I felt love for each one of them there.
When we ended, Rachel grabbed me into a hug. She told me that was all so inspired. It had just gone so well. And I'm so thankful for the spirit that we all felt. I just love everyone! I find myself hugging and checking on everyone I see. It feels so nice to be serving.
After church, Greg played Catan with the kids and then baked cookies while I went back to the church and had an awesome, lengthy discussion with the Bishop. He always invites me in and makes me feel like he has time to talk about all of my concerns. I also love the way he treats me as an important partner in the work. I love and respect our Bishop so much. I left there feeling so uplifted.
When you have church at 8:30, there is a long, glorious day spread before you. A day to accomplish much good. I checked in on my family, and they were all busily baking and having fun, so I ran over to visit a sister in our ward who is going through chemo. We had such a nice visit. We cried together. And I told her how much I love her.
Since the Bishop had approved my Visiting Teaching changes, I dropped them off to our coordinator and headed on home. There was still so much time to make dinner with Julia, and hang around with the family. Greg took a nap, and we waited to bake the cookies until after dinner, and after we had all ended our fast.
I felt so uplifted. I spent so many hours, while fasting, doing all that I could to serve other people. But I was so happy to be able to spend so much time with my own family. We had such a lovely day.
My sister, Judi, and her family stopped by for a quick visit. They are passing through on vacation. We laughed and talked with the kids played. We shared cookies and stories and had such a fun time.
Finally, we tucked everyone into bed, and I plopped down next to Greg. The Bishop counseled me to give plenty of my time to my family and to my husband. So, I grabbed Greg for a kiss. And I spent time with him. :) I am so grateful for my beautiful family. I thanked Greg for being an awesome dad, and for supporting me endlessly. He has surprised me immensely with his extraordinary support.
As we cuddled in each other's arms, he said, I just wish you didn't have the PTA.
Why? I said. It's not hard at all.
He laughed a little. I just wish you didn't have so much on your plate, he told me.
And then I hugged him tightly.
I love everything on my plate. Every bit of it.
And I kissed him for good measure.
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