rest.

Dear Mack,

This was you on a Friday not so long ago.

A Friday where I had a ton to do at home, and a ton to do at school, but chose to sit in a lawn chair right outside of this little 'farming' area under the tree and just 'be' for the day.

It's not easy to just 'be.'

Not in my world, not in your world ... not in anything that is associated with the word Murdock.

I sat in a chair with a bottle of water, my journal, a Bible turned to the book of Hebrews, and an open heart.

One of the key things I read that day was this:

Rest is uniting the Word with faith and living in it at that very moment.  It's the action of faith for today - for this moment, this situation.  A visual of the rest of faith would be this:  your head resting on the Bible.
To know God's word is one thing, but to live by it, apply it, trust it, act on it, cling to it, that is another thing altogether.

Hebrews 4:3 says this:  We who have believed enter that rest.

That rest is what I long for.

................................

Thank you for wearing Mario pajamas until 11:30 that day.

You didn't do it intentionally, but because of you, I now have a whole new appreciation for the word 'rest.'

Rest.

• To cease motion, work, or activity.
• To be at peace or ease; be tranquil.
• To be, become, or remain temporarily still, quiet, or inactive.
• To depend or rely.

With the hopes that you catch me with my head on my Bible more often than not ~ resting in Him ...

Mom


**excerpt from Faithful Abundant True.

the week before school starts.

the peaches are ready.  all at once.

the laundry is piled.  folded, but piled.

some things just have to wait.

books are being read and talked about - and shared too.

zucchini is multiplying daily.

toys are being loved and summer is still alive.

camp has been set up and dinner has been fixed.

scissors are in everyone's hands.

life is being shared.

a classroom is almost ready & the teacher is too.

dinner is still at 8:47 sharp.

insurance plans for the upcoming year are being pondered.

the book of Hebrews is being read & re-read.

beds are crawled into later than usual & the comfort they offer is cherished.

it's the week before school starts & even though life is busy, it's good.

.........................

every tomorrow has two handles. we can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.

a Saturday in August.

It's 6:30.  

It might be later, but I haven't looked at a clock.

The pump isn't working at the river - which is not good when it's 100+ degrees out.

We're tired, hot, and dusty.

All 4 of us ... well, 6 if you count the dogs.

We hunger for rest, but can't find it.

Calls for help aren't answered.

Frustration looms like the clouds overhead.

5 year old boys don't know the difference.

They see fun in almost everything..

They see trees to climb, ants to stomp, sticks to drag, and gatorade to drink - and maybe even a chance to get wet.

35 year old men feel sweaty, tired, thirsty, and overwhelmed.

They see the button that won't reset, and the pump that won't turn on.

They see what grown-ups have to see, but don't want to see.

The see life.

7 year old boys see the fun, but understand the need for the water to flow.

He's been working side-by-side his dad  today, earning every ounce of dirt he's proudly wearing.

He wants to help, but can't.

He's not alone.

We watch.

We wait.

We turn wheels, push the buttons, pace, & pray.

We drink blue gatorade and talk about trains & tracks ... and railroad ties.

We count, & count some more.

Waiting isn't all it's cracked up to be.

For any of us.

And then it happens.

 The water is at our finger tips.

It's like finding gold, but almost better.

The wheel is turned & the goodness flows.

And then it stops.

The drips hault.

No words are spoken.

.................................

I go in search of beauty.

I find bits of life unfolding.

I find hope.

............................

We're home now.

It's 9:30 and the water still isn't on.

Tuna fish sandwiches, pickles, and cold milk are on the table.

No words are spoken.

........................

We trust.

We trust in knowing that "His JOY comes in the morning."

5 minute Friday: stretch.

I'm linking up at 'tales from a Gypsy Mama' for 5 minute Friday.

..........................................................................................

Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

Stretch…

Go.

The sunlight stretches through the break in the curtains. There is no alarm clock today.

My eyes adjust and I stretch my legs. Toes pointed.

What time is it?

Does it matter?

The soft snores next to me come from my 5 year old. He is dreaming about irrigation and muck boots. I laugh and can't help but smile.

I remember reading to him last night, but I don't remember falling asleep. Funny how that happens when you've been stretched so thin.

He's curled up next to me with the satin on his blanket rubbing across his lip as he dreams. His lips stretch out to feel the comfort, the goodness even as he sleeps. Where did he learn that? Was it self taught?

The light bounces as the curtain moves.

 I stretch again.

Here's to satin filled goodness.

Here's to comfort.

Here's to stretching to find joy in the quiet moments of the day - or at least for 5 minutes.

Stop.

a trailer for class ...

I'm taking an iMovie class today ... and we're making 'trailers' ... too fun!! 

2 blocks away.

Dear McAllister family,

Thank you for living 2 blocks away from my Grandma & Papa's home for so many years of their life.  You don't know what a gift you gave me by providing breakfast overlooking  where my family tree began.  Truly.

I sat in the blazing hot sun, sweating, but not wanting to give up the trip down memory lane.  The 'monkey' trees, the bus rides, the wading pools, Alki Beach, Hiawatha, the Junction, Mt. Rainier, Northwest Art & Frame, Husky Deli, Tibbets Church, the water tower ... anything and everything West Seattle flooded my memory. I felt like I was sitting on their deck 20 years ago, eating fresh berries & maybe even a bowl of rice pudding.

After breakfast, Ian & I drove down the street - just so I could catch a glimpse.  Bittersweet is the only word I can come up with.

Grandma & Papa's home on 37th.

My mom & dad's first home on 35th.

Lucky us, it was Sea Fair weekend ... which meant a great Blue Angels Show too - led by 'Fat Albert.'

The view you shared with me during those late morning hours & into the afternoon were priceless.

At age 36, I was 10 again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ~ Lindsay


P.S.  I think next year we should get a boat & enjoy the view from Lake Washington...

or not.

a day in West Seattle.

Dear Lincoln Park,

I'm not sure where to start.  The minute we crossed over the West Seattle Bridge, my heart skipped a beat.  The streets were a bit busier than they were 10 years ago, but the memories came flooding back.  35th & 37th, the YMCA, the Junction, Husky Deli, bus stops with bus # 55 & 56 loading and unloading passengers.  My dad's "neighborhood" for most of his life, and my grandparents "home."

As we neared the corner on Fauntleroy that heads towards the ferry, I spotted you.  Your tall trees, your full parking lot, your wading pool, your trails, and the green that defines you gave me goosebumps.  Joy found.  I was a little girl again.

Watching the ferries come and go from the island my Grandpa called home.

Wading in a pool from 30 years ago.

Playing, eating, visiting, and just enjoying the day!

I shared a piece of my life with my boys that day. I don't if they "got it" really, but nonetheless,  it was beautiful to share with them.

Thank you for being everything I remembered - and more.

Your trails that evening were breathtaking.

The light was magical.

And the view that you offer has always been a treasure in the lives of many, particularly mine.

 Fondly ~ Lindsay

P.S.  We were there for a Barnes Bash - which is a family reunion for Ian's family.  Funny how you marry a piece of your childhood without even knowing it.