Friday, July 26, 2013

Finding Yourself, Finding God, Finding Peace


So. Did I mention that, later this year, Tom will most likely take a business trip to South Africa?

Yeah crazy, I know.

But he's excited and that's fine. Yet lately, people (not Naomi) have hinted that, really, I should travel to South Africa with Tom. "The chance of a lifetime!", they say. "It would be amazing. It would be incredible, fantastic and fun."

Well, uh, no it would not.

Why not? Because good ol' Debra hates flying, has 0 desire to visit foreign countries and she'd  be bored silly sitting in a motel room ten hours a day alone. I could sightsee around Africa, you say? Yeah, right!  I can totally see introverted, homebody-lovin' me doing that.

This is what I choose to see, instead: I see me painting our bathroom, while Tom's away, as I've meant to do for months. And the last two walls of our living room. I can see me playing with our cats and caring for them, rearranging furniture, relaxing with God out on our front porch. And walking to nearby stores and the riverside park. And visiting the library, a few yard sales and coffee shops. Mowing the lawn, paying the bills and just basically holding down this fort which God has given us.


Before Tom accepted this new job I made him understand this: Any traveling would be done by him alone. This would be his thing, not mine. If a trip sounded interesting to me, I'd consider tagging along, but he'd better not hold his breath.

Tom accepted these quite clear conditions before he signed on the dotted line.

Hey. I am 54 years old and I know what I want, what I like and what I hate. And that's how it should be. I believe any of us who have survived this long deserve to make some decisions of our own and to skip doing what we're not created to do--and dare I even say that's called obedience to God? For I've also seen that when He asks us to do something, He sends along the Grace to do it... and Grace brings along lots of sweet willingness.

So today's lesson? It's probably not wisdom to go around trying to talk people into stuff they just don't want to do. They know themselves better than we do and forcing others into doing what we like, but they hate,  only causes a bunch of uncomfortable feelings.

What sounds wiser? This:

"And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you..."   ... 2 Thessalonions 4:11

And if I sound a tad cranky today, please forgive me. Sleeping in a recliner is rough, especially when goofy things happen outside, like, three girls playing volleyball and talking loudly at 1:30 in the morning... But there's only two more recliner nights to go. :)


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Oh! We're having glorious mornings with breezy sunshine and just a nip of autumnal coolness. I sit on our porch gazing at the old houses around me and think of days gone by and ones to come. Happy sigh.

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Oh! Did you know that all of the Boy Meets World episodes are available on YouTube? (I was super-thrilled to discover this bit of info.)

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:11 AM

    That is one trip I would not want to go on either!! Certainly understandable as to why you would want to stay home. It is one thing to go along in this country, on a business trip...I did that a lot when hubby was still working...but quite another in a very foreign country!
    Elizabeth still in HOT HOT Idaho

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  2. I completely understand how you feel.

    When my husband and I were first married, I would go on business trips with him. I realized very soon, that I didn't enjoy it. I am not one to explore a strange city by myself. Sitting in hotel rooms all day made me stir crazy! It also put pressure on my husband to skip an occasional meeting or business lunch to be with me.

    If you are happy, and don't feel lonely, you should absolutely stay home and do what is right for you.
    If your husband loves the idea of traveling, that is great for him.

    Isn't it wonderful to reach a stage in life where you can do what works for each of you and not have to live up the expectations of anyone else?

    nancyr

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  3. The 10 hour non-stop flight (daylight the whole way) from Heathrow to San Francisco cured me of long flights. I have never wanted to get off a plane so much in my life.
    Add to that being an introvert (please don't talk to me) and not being able to sleep or ahem... other things when away from home - makes me a not so hot traveler.

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  4. So glad you said what I would like to say. I do not want to visit another country. I do not want to fly. I love my home and my pets. I like accomplishing things here. Both of you will have a wonderful time enjoying your own days and then when you get back together you will share so many interesting things. Best to you both on your trips. : )

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  5. Hello
    So wonderful that the day was not spoiled. It is nice to hear your heart. I have stopped by now and then. The efforts more than that were some time monumental. It is so good to hear that your daughter is enjoying the time with you.
    I am with you. Russia twice taught me the USA is my home and if travel is in it pbs is nice.
    My husband gave up travel to follow the adoptions. We are so happy to have a family. Wonder lust is not so much for me. Just a longing for the mountains.

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