Just Be

Such a relatable quote isn't it?  I recently had the opportunity to drive for long hours, one day apart.  And it was such a gift.  It reminded me of growing up on the ranch and spending a ton of quality time alone, with my trusted little steed Rojo, and the sounds of nature.  The buzz of katydids, the lowing of a concerned Mama cow when I ventured too close, the quiet, still voice of God as he wove hopes, dreams, and principles into my forming network of values.  Those were amazing times.  I go back to them often.  But sometimes you just don't want to think that much.  Hence the music and a long stretch of asphalt.  I've blogged before about the beauty of being a closet introvert, (That phrase just never gets old...makes me giggle) and when I'm faced with an opportunity to spend a few hours just communing with whatever comes into my path, it's a world rife with possibilities.  

Don't get me wrong.  I LOVE my people.  I have quite a few.  I gather them in my heart and I hold them dear.  In thought when we can't be together, and in person when we can.  I adore proximity.  Communion.  Relational time.  ESPECIALLY when I've had a chance to regroup and refresh Kris.  It doesn't take long. But it's oh so necessary.  No time spent at a Valium salt lick could ever replace alone time for me.

So when this trip to go see my Dad and family through an urgent medical procedure came up, I had my bags packed in a blink.  Of course my haste was out of concern for my Daddy.  I couldn't get to his side fast enough.  But an added benefit was being able to be alone and drive.  And drive.  The road between our homes has many long straight patches where one can set the cruise control, curl one's left foot underneath herself, prop her right forearm on the console and just steer.  And think.  And listen to that playlist that just takes you THERE.

I arrived at my destination certain that my Dad's procedure would go without a hitch, that treasured, valuable time would be spent with my whole family, and that when I left a day or two later, I would have another long driving stretch ahead of me.  Not a bad proposition at all! 

And that's exactly how it went.  Praise God.  Dad is healing nicely, giving his in-home nurse (my Mama) plenty of grief over his soon-to-be lifted restrictions, and is feeling better every day.  I got to love up on my siblings, hold my Mama, and pray over my Dad.  AND I got to drive and listen to hours of loud music.

To all of you, I hope you have something in your life that makes you smile today.  Just a little something that brings a feeling of deep contentment if only for a moment.  Our lives are what we make of them aren't they?  Which leads me to my mantra....

Make it a great day!






(photos courtesy of Pinterest)