Thriving in times of peace

I've spent a lot of time reading and trying to be still lately, and I am so thankful for that gift.  There are always distractions that threaten to break in on any sides, and the constant connectivity that is both a blessing and curse really drives that for me.  It's taken quite a bit of discipline to not scroll through various feeds or read a blog that I've been meaning to catch up on... and yet I feel more content.

One of the things that I loved most about when Brady was first born were the mornings we would have when I was on maternity leave.  Brad would be sleeping and Brady and I would greet the sun as it rose over the building where we lived.  He would eat, I would have my coffee, he would snuggle... this little bundle that I didn't even really know a month before, and he trusted me more than anyone in the world.

We rested together.

Finding time with God is definitely harder than it used to be, and I suspect that it will only get harder, and yet I am reminded that I need to also have that rest with the One who has cared and provided for me more than anyone could.

The following are pictures from the Jr. High retreat that Brad and I went on with our church... a time of rest, even with 15 students!