I struggle sometimes most of the time with truly making the Sabbath a day of rest. It is oh-so-tempting for me to cram it full of as many to-dos as I possibly can. I realize some "work" is unavoidable, but I am trying to be more intentional about letting myself rest, be really present, and enjoy time with God and my family. Last Sunday was one of those days when I felt like I at least got it a little bit closer to right (whatever "right" is...).
As always, we started off our day at church. Brett and I can already tell it's going to hurt to leave that place when we move next year. Until then, we're blessed to call it home. One of the parts of the gathering I love is right before the offering, when someone from church leadership comes up to speak a personal word about giving. Chris Tomlin was up to the bat this week, and he shared this quote from Martin Luther:
Oh how I needed this reminder. I can't even begin to tell you how many things I hold with a closed hand tightly gripped fist. From finances, to schedules, to relationships with the people who mean more to me than life itself. The vain attempt I make at controlling my world. And how not only futile, but also damaging, it is to think that I have any control whatsoever. Please, Lord -- open my hands.
After incredible worship and a challenging, encouraging message, Brett and I were filled to the brim. (We always are.) We had decided beforehand that instead of going straight home after church, we would pack food and go to Mason Mill Park for lunch and some fun on the way home. This is a relatively new find for us, and it might just become a regular post-Passion City pit stop for the Bralys.
Pirate ship and 2 super-speedy slides? Yes, please.
All five of us had a fantastic time eating and playing out in the glorious weather. Well, I take that back: When we first arrived, Porter was a little miffed that we were having lunch right away. He just wanted to play, and plopped himself under a tree as an act of protest.
It took all of one minute for him to change his mind and join us. :)
See that face? Girl is head over heels for her Daddy.
Waiting for his turn to slide.
Slowly workin' his way up to the top.
Exploring the toddler equipment.
I'd be lying if I said there weren't any frowns (and maybe a couple of tears) when we broke the news that it was time to leave the park and go home for naps. Thankfully, we made it without too severe of a meltdown. We all had a restful afternoon; I did go out to the grocery store, so I can't say that I totally kicked back, but we had leftovers for dinner, so I didn't have to worry about meal prep. After we'd eaten, Brett and I asked the kiddos if they'd like to take some after-dinner treats along with us to Lake Avondale, which is just a few minutes from our house. You'd better believe they jumped right on that. :)
Freezer pops make walks more fun.
Malone's first taste. The verdict: Too cold!
Ended up dropping the last 1/3 of his popsicle. :(
I paused to sit on a bench swing; they walked on.
Always keep our distance from the duckies.
We stopped to "skip stones" (a.k.a. chunk rocks in the water).
Pretty view from the bench swing.
Mommy's cuddle buddy.
It really is a shame she isn't cuter. ;)
Can never take enough rides on Daddy's shoulders.
A simple Sabbath, without too much hurry or worry, spent with my favorite people in the whole wide world. In my book, Sundays don't get much better.
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