Gratitude Day 216

Wed., Feb. 20, 2019

1 John 4:7 – Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.

What’s an indication of a good Sabbath? When you have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

After a week of being away, I’ve been slowly getting back into some of the routines I’ve been faithfully observing. Some have come a little slower than others. Top of the list that has taken a back seat? Blogging.

Hubby Rick and I spent several days with our friends, Chris and Michelle. While they now live outside of St. Louis, they lived in Wisconsin for awhile and this is when we became acquainted with them. Since they moved away, we’ve kept in touch. We’ve spoken a few times about vacationing together. This winter, it happened to work out that we could!

After meeting up in Miami, we took a several days cruise through the western Caribbean. On two days, we stopped at different locations and enjoyed a few hours at each port. Then, we had one full day at sea, which happened to be Valentine’s Day. Michelle and I feel the guys had an easy Valentine’s Day, as the ship provided lots of Valentine’s acknowledgements. In the morning, we ate a late brunch. Just as we were ready to find something else to do than eat, we discovered the ship had a fantastic Valentine’s dessert spread! I mean a serious spread, with like 20 cakes and desserts. Of course, we HAD to try several of them.

In the afternoon, we took in the Love & Marriage show as observers. Three couples answered questions about their spouses to see which couple knew each other the best. It really was no surprise that the couple who has been married for 45+ years won the game.

The highlight of the day? When Michelle asked if I would renew their vows. Later this spring, Chris and Michelle will celebrate their 30^th anniversary. They decided to renew their vows on Valentine’s Day, while at sea, since their friend who happens to be a pastor was traveling with them! We found a spot near the top of the ship and basically out of the wind. It was touching when both Chris and Michelle became emotional as they shared their vows once again. As they shared their vows, I felt Rick gently put his hand on my back, as if we were also sharing in a recommitment of our vows.

Back in Wisconsin, reality struck home quickly as it took a while for Rick to dig the car out of the snow and ice. The first two days back were overly filled with commitments. After several days with very limited internet service, it took me a couple swings at getting through all the e-mails. Quite honestly, I’m still working through some as I ease back into normal, every day life. I’ve appreciated less time on the internet and social media. The time has been sucked up in cleaning up our house, as some of the hardwood floors were refinished while we were gone. I know attention was put towards keeping the dust to a minimum, but it’s really impossible.

There are different phases of life. Right now, I’m trying to enjoy this phase that I’m in. Maybe a bit slower, certainly a bit more reflective and definitely appreciative to time spent with my Hubby as well as our dear friends.

For a slower pace, time away and fun with friends, I am grateful.

Lord God – thank you for the opportunity to enjoy Sabbath time. Thank you for filling me with so much of I what has allowed me to recharge these past few days. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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