Today is the first day I’ve REALLY been able to call my own since leaving my job at the library. I have a list of “writerly” things to do, which include this post, marketing, helping with plans for a retreat this summer with my Ken-Ten Writing Group, and . . . drumroll . . . working on CAROLINA MERCY!
The synopsis has been sent to Mantle Rock Publishing, where the wheels will get started on the cover, etc. Now it’s my job to FINISH IT!
Yesterday was “de-decorating” day at the Merrick house. I usually go into kind of a funk when this day comes – mainly because I’m exhausted by the time the event of CHRISTMAS gets here. It’s not that I’m not READY to take it all down, it’s just so much WORK!
This year is different, though. Shopping was done in a timely manner. Presents were wrapped early (for me). Most of our church and community related events were prior to the week before Christmas. Even with the hustle and bustle, I slowly began to feel something that I haven’t felt in some time.
Peace.
That’s what I’ve craved.
Now, admittedly, having the flu and not being able to celebrate the New Year was not fun, but overall, it was a fairly peaceful holiday.
Taking down the decorations was hard work, as usual, and cleaning the house afterward is not fun, but you know what? The house looks like it sighs with pleasure after 6 weeks of Christmas decorations. It’s as if the house feels – dare I say it – PEACEFUL.
Finding my groove on a daily basis has been a challenge, but it’s getting there. I’ve got Jim Brickman playing piano in the background, and that keeps me from hearing EVERY SINGLE SOUND in the house (which includes a washing machine, two cats, and a husband). Peaceful.
I hope you have peace today. I’ve prayed for peace all my life, little realizing that the key to real peace is accepting that free gift God gave me a long time ago. Phillipians 4:6-7 is one of my favorite passages: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Now, what will Lucy and Tom get into next . . . . I’m sure it won’t be peaceful! 😉
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