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On Giving Yourself More than Leftovers

in Authors Extraordinaire· Creativity· Seasons

yellowaspensandsky

The busy, no-wiggle-room weekend started before the sun pushed back the dark skies. Both boys had to be up and out of the house a little after dawn. As they sleepily pushed themselves out of bed, I asked what I could make them for breakfast. They requested french toast. So I swirled together a little eggs, milk, and vanilla and dunked several bread slices in the cold liquid before placing them in the sizzly skillet.

The boys eventually slid into their seats at the black kitchen table and ate several pieces. Faith woke up early and meandered down for her own share. After all three kids had their fill, I saw one piece left over. I bagged it up to stick in the fridge when my growly stomach suggested the wildest idea, “Hey, I love french toast, so maybe you could give the last piece to me.” 

As I gobbled up the last piece, I thought how this pretty much sums up these last few weeks for me–at least on the soul front. I’ve been pouring out and getting things done in such large amounts that anything I take in amounts to leftovers of cold french toast. And because of it, I’m tired. I’m cranky. I’m dropping balls left and right. From my daughter’s 5th grade teacher to my best friend, I’ve sent several emails lately with the words I’m sorry in them.

I felt the hunger pains of a much needed, real deal soul meal.

So a few days later, my husband and I both took a day off. While the kids were at school, we wound our way through twisty mountain roads. We stopped at a cute little restaurant, and I ate Swiss onion soup and a green chili Philly. After hopping back into the minivan, we went from paved roads to gravel roads and finally to roads made of dirt. The dirt road spilled onto the most beautiful grove of golden aspens all lit up like lamp posts in broad daylight. David hears my breath catch and parks the car. We step outside and walk inside the grove, aspen boughs arching overhead.

underaspens

If nature is a meal, autumn brings Thanksgiving every day to every table. I sit down and eat my fill in the tall grass under those trees. I drink the scent of pine in gulps. Under the aspens, the leaves are more lemon yellow, and I think the trees look like tall, proud lollypops. The breeze is gentle but strong enough to move my hair over my shoulder, and it feels good brushing my bare neck. I breathe deeper, rest while wide awake. David and I talk and listen (and make out a little too).

pineandaspen

My love for God feels so vibrant outdoors under the roof he made. Touching parts of his creation–his invisible made visible–heals as it fills.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen.  ~ Romans 1:20

Pine needles and grass become church pews, and I can’t help but hum How Great Thou Art under a cathedral of burnished boughs with leaves that quiver like wind chimes.

15428384471_282192516c_o

Eventually, our home in suburbia woos us back (as well as the 3pm school bell). The kids walked home and just beat us through the front door, and I take in the sight of them–a feast for my heart. We sit in the living room and talk about their day, and as I look out at our skinny maples burning slowly from bright green to scarlet red, I hum How Great Thou Art once again.

When I slow down enough to pay attention, autumn never fails to make me full. The only thing left to do is give life a big bear hug . . . and give God an exuberant thank you.

Where do you go to dine on a good soul meal?

15033267781_0f1fbebe56_nAs a mama, I need to be doubly intentional about letting my heart and soul dine on more than leftovers. Another resource for a good soul meal that feeds mamas of littles *and* mamas of big kids like me? Lisa Jo Baker’s Surprised By Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected About Being a Mom. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in the past year, and I’ve no doubt it will be a lifetime favorite. Right now, Lisa-Jo is hosting a most refreshing book club featuring Surprised by Motherhood.  This week, she invited Alia Joy and myself to discuss a couple chapters from it, including the easy work of always loving our kids but the more challenging work of always liking them. Share your parenting wisdom at Lisa-Jo’s, too?

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Filed Under: Authors Extraordinaire, Creativity, Seasons

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Comments

  1. Megan O'Neill says

    October 7, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    You had me up until you confess making out!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:42 pm

      Ha!

      Reply
  2. Beth S. says

    October 7, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Since my husband’s return I cannot stop humming the words to the song, “How great is our God.” Blessings to you, friend. xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 7, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Ah, beautiful. Love you, Beth.

      Reply
  3. Susan G. says

    October 7, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    I loved this all! The beautiful photos…especially that cartwheel!…made me laugh… God is so good and we have so much to be thankful for… Great verse too!
    Thanks for the ‘fresh air’!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 7, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks for sitting with me for a spell here, Susan. You’re a gift.

      Reply
  4. Lauren says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:04 am

    I love this! Those trees are gorgeous! We’re living in Florida this fall (a first for me) and I have missed autumn in its golden glory. So, instead, I have found the ocean to be my restful spot, where I sit to ponder God and refresh my soul. Being outside lends itself to a praise session, regardless of the crazy things that are happening in life. Thanks for this post.

    Reply
  5. Annette says

    October 8, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    This was so good and just what I needed today. Getting outside, especially in the mountains around us really feeds my soul. We can see God in the beauty around us anytime but there’s something about Fall that just makes my heart burst with full appreciation and amazement for His handiwork. How Great Thou Art indeed.

    Reply
  6. Robin says

    October 8, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I’m struggling with this right now. I need to fill myself with God’s Word and when I do find any down time, I fall asleep, or, if I’m completely honest, I end up on the computer or my smart phone. I feel how exhausted I am. Why do I make time for everything and everyone else, but my Lord?? Sigh………….:(

    Reply
  7. Beth Williams says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    Kristen,

    I just love fall and autumn. God turns our Smoky mountains into beautiful hues of golden yellow, red.

    God truly blesses our hearts when we take the time to go and just enjoy the scenery without hurrying and worrying!

    I love love love the pictures and your writing! (Did you really make out)? Sounds like fun!

    Blessings 🙂

    Reply

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This week brought to you by family heart-to-hearts This week brought to you by family heart-to-hearts around the fireplace, tulips on the table, and my first trip of the year to the garden store. ⁠⁠
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