"Lasts" of Home.

Home. 

Such a small word that encompasses one of the largest parts of my heart. 

Being there this past week was like stepping into the middle of a whirlpool; a place still and peaceful from the rush of a busy life here in Louisville. 

At home I breathed. 

Not the kind of breathing you do merely to survive. That breathing is often done thoughtlessly and routinely. No.

This kind of breathing was deep and slow. Inhaling all home had to offer. 

Like when you inhale the beautiful scent of a rose, fresh chocolate chip cookies or a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Or how about the first hint of fall. You can smell all of it now, can't you?

Home was that sweet aroma. 

I rested at home. 

The type of rest where your heart beat literally slows down. The rest your heart, soul, mind, and body are thankful for. A rest where you abide in all of God Himself. 

So many good things happened over fall break--

long walks through the woods, fields, and dirt roads,

exploring barns and cornfields, 

making caramel apples and coffee,

feeding ducks at Notre Dame,

reading in the sunshine and eating pomegranates,

catching the gold of a sunset,

cherishing memories of an empty house, 

and taking in a final deep breath of a wonderful week. 

This is a long post, I know, but it's the "lasts" of home. Well, the "lasts" for now.

This will let you see a few more glories we experienced. 

A pipeline all the way from Alaska to Texas...via Michigan...how convenient.

The infamous Notre Dame

Yes, I did want to jump into that pile of leaves. 

 

This week I took time to marvel at our Creator through His creation.

When a sky is so blue and earth's hues so green, I just want to stop and stare at it all.  

And then there are the little wonders that take intentional observation.

Getting down low and looking very closely at every little detail.  

Marveling at small blossoms catching the sun's rays and the ruby red gems of a pomegranate. 

 It's in these things that hold a rare beauty I so often miss. 

  

   

 

That time of day where the sunlight gently kisses the tops of trees as the twilight pulls up the dark covers of night. It is a time of day you should not want to miss. 

I didn't want to miss it. 

So I captured it with a lens.

 

It looked a little different this time. 

Not the house itself, but the actually home. 

There weren't eight voices echoing through the walls like there usually are. 

There were no abrupt outbursts of laughter or song to dismiss the silence.

(Of course Margo and I still laughed and sang.)

The kitchen seemed empty. 

The family room wasn't bustling about. 

The bedrooms were bare and strangely quiet. 

No one was attempting to play Chop Sticks on the piano. 

(funny how we begin to miss the things we consider annoying at the time.)

Eating at the dining room table felt incomplete. 

The wood floors were silent from the pitter-patter of feet and paws.  

I wanted the vacant spaces of home to be filled with my family. 

Filled with Loveings. 

But not this time.

Prayerfully though, next time.  

 

To end it all, we took a walk. Coffee in hand, barefoot, and bundled up from the bite of the evening chill. Together, we watched the sun go down and caught its fire in our eyes. This was needed time for us both. To press pause and regain composure from a whirlwind. 

Everything was sweet and it's crazy what some good rest and food can do for ya. 

Above all, nothing fills my heart more than to know that all of this is from my Heavenly Father. How He provides for me! 

"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" -Matt. 6:26

The Lord has provided everything I have needed in all circumstances and at all times. 

It takes a faith that I do not have on my own to believe that. 

"All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

I have no reason to withhold such praise from an awe-inspiring, awesome, and awe-striking God.

He Who promises is indeed faithful. 

And I thank Him. 

I thank Him! 

And in faith, praise Him for His unchanging faithfulness to me.  

Home. 

It's beautiful, isn't it?