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<\/a><\/p>\nComing from the heat of south Texas, the cool evenings and mornings were a precious gift.\u00a0 The rolling fields of wildflowers were breathtaking.\u00a0 The cool, clear water of the lakes were spectacular.\u00a0 The wildlife we saw made us giddy with excitement.\u00a0 The mountains that we climbed gave way to thunderous waterfalls and views that literally\u00a0cried out to be enjoyed.\u00a0 We even\u00a0took\u00a0horses to the top of a mountain, picking blueberries along the way.<\/p>\n
While I was there, I stood in awe of all that God had created.\u00a0 And because we had very spotty service, I was able to unplug and really be present for all that God was showing me.\u00a0 It was refreshing for my soul.<\/p>\n
To be honest, I found myself feeling sad and not wanting to re-engage in my life.\u00a0 At first, I thought I was just tired from all of the hiking and activity from the week.\u00a0 After a few days, though, I realized\u00a0there was more.\u00a0 The end of this vacation is a sign that summer is almost over.\u00a0 In the next couple of weeks, my kids head\u00a0back to school and their lives as college students.\u00a0 I will miss them terribly.<\/p>\n I’ve so enjoyed my time with them this summer.\u00a0\u00a0They have not all been home full time, but most of them have been home for some period of time.\u00a0 It’s been great! \u00a0The laughter.\u00a0 The story telling.\u00a0 The meals shared.\u00a0 The impromptu pool\u00a0time.\u00a0 The\u00a0sharing of hearts.\u00a0 The encouraging of one another.\u00a0 The joy.<\/p>\n I have soaked it all in.<\/p>\n But soon the structure of school and\u00a0work will take over.\u00a0 Thankfully, all of\u00a0my kids enjoy their respective schools and have each found their people, their groups.\u00a0 It makes their leaving easier.\u00a0 And God has so sweetly reminded me of the new life He\u00a0has given me here, new friends, new ministry opportunities, new adventures.<\/p>\n So after several days of my inner three year old\u00a0screaming, ‘I don’t wanna do real life!’<\/strong>, I’ve picked myself off the floor, found my big girl panties crumpled in the corner, and started getting back at it…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My family and I spent all last week at Glacier National Park.\u00a0 We were joined by the majority of my extended family for our biennial reunion. It. Was. Beautiful! Coming from the heat of south Texas, the cool evenings and … Continue reading <\/a>But then it ended.\u00a0 We had to come home.\u00a0 We had to re-enter our lives.<\/p>\n