I do not want to be so busy and therefore just numb myself to the pain of loneliness. I do not want to be so busy that the time simply flies by and at the end of nine months I simply look back and know not how I was changed how I grew because I was too afraid to meet the moments alone head on.
Does that make any sense? I know that I could make it through the deployment if I was not by myself. I know I could make it through deployment if each and every day I had something planed that would take up each and every waking moment and thus distract my mind from reality. I know I could get through with busy-ness. But I don't want to get through with those. I want to get through this time because HE alone is strengthening me and meeting me in all the moments.
In this first month, I find that it is important to have a balance. A good balance of spending time with friends and others and a balance of spending the time just the two of us, our girl and me.
And so, as we come to the weekend, the moments that are simple some of the hardest for me to face in this season of deployment, we have mix of fellowship and alone moments.
Tonight: a game night with some friends up the street. Special too because Elliott has a friend there as well :) Bentley, his black poodle friend
Tomorrow afternoon we are going to share in the celebration of life with a dear family and the birthday party of their son.
Sunday, our beloved routine of Olympia pier, coffee, park, and farmer market's treats. Church in the evening is a picnic in celebration of Memorial Day.
Monday, we have signed up to join in the Run to Remember that happens every weekend in DuPont, rain or shine. Tirzah and I have pledged our 3 miles (we plan to walk with our friends Alison and Lucy) with the goal of all miles of participants pledged to equal or excede the number of fallen soldiers in this War.
Speaking of those who have fallen and those who we will remember this weekend, please keep the family of one soldier from B- Company (Daniel's company) in your prayers. He was killed in combat just yesterday and the family has just recently learned the news. Thank you for your prayers.
In the moments we are not with others, I hope to relax and also work on achieving some of my own deployment goals!
Read 10 books (I will finish my second book tonight!)
Make our own butter (I bought some whipping cream and I have yet to decide whether to use the Kitchen-aid or just simply shake in a mason jar. . . will let you know what we decide!)
Intentional blessings upon you and your family this Memorial Day Weekend.
These thoughts are so good, so rich. I am very proud of your openness to what God has for you. Are you reading the Zion Covenant by Bodie Thoene that starts with "Vienna Prelude?" I am rereading them because they are so good and I love books by her. So rich in history and in God's provision. I also want to read "The Hiding Place" again because it is such a faith builder for me. Pray that I will stand in openness to whatever God has for our family. Love you all so much and love reading about your life and being connected that way. Very soon we will be together in Hawaii. God is so good. I love you. Mrs. Druid
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