Since we’re headed into a very busy time for us (unfortunately owning a retail business means it can be hard to slow down and reflect) it was nice to have a quiet weekend and enjoy a few small but meaningful pick-me-ups. I’m not sure why, but the first few days of the week felt long and draining. Before it ended I stopped by my alma mater to check out the student/faculty pottery sale they have every semester (the deals are so good). Sometimes I have moments of panic thinking I’ve missed the sale–that’s how much I look forward to it. The thought of finding the perfect treasure unique from what I already have is thrilling. Strolling around campus, particularly the historic parts, is something I miss, so I like having a good reason to go.

We went out with friends Friday night and I felt a carefree joy I haven’t felt in a long time. It made me grateful for friendships old and new, people I am free to be myself with.

I was able to set aside some time before tackling my to-do list over the weekend to linger in bed, drinking tea and reading (more on that soon), which I’m very thankful for. I baked cookies (twice in one week, oops) and delivered them to my husband at the store. It’s so rewarding to be able to brighten his day with something like that, those little things. Sometimes you don’t realize how important they are. I look forward to the moments I can show David he is on my mind and cared for.

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is a few days away. This will be the first year we’ve done a blended celebration with our families. I’m making the best chocolate cake and a sweet potato casserole that’s practically a dessert by itself. I certainly won’t mind ditching all my food rules for the day (who am I kidding, I do that all the time). I have really fond memories of Thanksgiving from childhood, especially of my mom’s cooking. I feel like it’s one of those things that only gets better with time. Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

I’m hoping we’ll have time and energy to find a Christmas tree over the weekend. Our living room is tiny and we always have to shuffle things around, but it’s completely worth it. I’m so looking forward to Advent. The past year has been especially difficult as we’ve struggled in different ways to recover from tremendous loss and betrayal. I’ve nursed a spirit of sorrow, distrust, and anger, which I know is not only a reflection of circumstances but also a reflection of my unbelief–my unwillingness to trust that God’s promises, his love, grace, and mercy, are sufficient and extend to me too. Of course there have been times when I’ve wished for a less painful way to grow in likeness to Christ, but what better way to rejoice, even in our suffering, than to prepare our hearts with gladness and thanksgiving for the coming of our King, without whom we have no hope.