In case you missed it, we are in the U.S.A. right now.  We recently took Benjamin to a children's discovery museum for the very first time.  He was so overwhelmed (in the best of ways) that he just ran from one area to the next, long enough to touch something or lift an item before totally abandoning it and running to something else.  Pure joy.  Wanting to do everything, be everywhere all at the same time (which in turn left him doing nothing, being nowhere!).  This is a bit how I feel.  

Overwhelmed in the best of ways.  So much I want to see, do, eat, say...that I'm running around like a 2-year old who is overstimulated and unable to fully take in my surroundings.  It is the forever struggle of balance.  I want to see all my people, but not just see them, I want to sit and have long, uninterrupted conversations and not feel like we need to fit a lifetime into an hour lunch or coffee.  I want to know that this is not the only time we're going to have together but we can be here same time, same place next week.  But that is not the case.  We are merely passing through.  

I think about Jesus, during his ministry.  He had crowds of people following him.  Everyone vying for his attention and time.  Yet, he knew his purpose.  He invested in 12.  He talked to the crowds but he also took time to be alone.  As someone pointed out to me, he didn't heal everyone.  He had a bigger role to fulfill.  I imagine there was resentment from those he passed by.  I imagine he received criticism for choosing some towns to visit and not others.  Wouldn't he have preferred to spend more time with his friend, Lazarus?  Eating the delectable meals made by Mary and Martha?  But he knew he had more to accomplish.  Even the 12 that he invested time and energy in, did not fully get it, and one completely turned his back.  When we come stateside, I feel the tension.  The uncertainty if we are investing our time well.  The constant push and pull.  Before we left Ecuador, we met with some friends and they prayed for us, and for our time away.  I remember feeling so much stress when I entered their home.  The packing that still needed to be done.  The loose ends to be tied.  Not to mention the unknowns of our travel schedule and our needs.  They spoke God's truth to us and prayed over us and immediately I felt God's peace.  Here I am, half way through our visit and the stress has been creeping back in.  The schedule still has some unknowns and there are still some very real needs.  I am reminded that I don't need to wait for someone to ask how I am, to speak truth or even to pray for me.  I am reminded that God is always near.  His peace is always ready to be given.  I don't need to "hang on" or "get through".  I just need to go to Him and lay it down at His feet.  

I am incredibly grateful for the time I'm given.  The moments when schedules align and we don't need to keep an eye on the clock and we are allowed to linger.  I am humbled by the hospitality of others who not only offer us a ride or a meal or a bed but invite us into their family.  It restores my soul.  I am beyond blessed to spend this holiday season with my family, making new memories with them.  In all of this, I am most overwhelmed by God's gift of grace for me.  

O come let us adore him.  

Flights are easier with "lamby"

LAC weekend in Colorado

Leaf piles with the cousins