It has been over a month since anything has been posted on Harris and Willow. Part of this is severe procrastination. But mostly I have been overwhelmed. In just a few short weeks, our friends moved, we’ve begun to move, and I’m prepping for (very minor) surgery tomorrow.
As an obvious introvert, I have come to thrive in quiet moments when I can pour some iced coffee and dive into my writing. But this month Patrick and I have both been on the go nonstop. From meetings to gatherings with friends to packing, there hasn’t been much time for down time.
Last Saturday was no different. I was behind on absolutely everything. We woke up early so I could walk in a 3K Color Run while the pregnant lady carrying her 3 year old lapped me. No shame. I spent the entire afternoon rendering and re-rendering a video for church. When the video was not complete before an evening on the lake with friends, I carried my computer with me and spent the entire 30 minute drive fighting tears because I was still fighting with this ridiculously simple project and I just wanted to enjoy my evening. After arriving, I was still preoccupied. This video had to be done in just over 12 hours – most of which I would surely enjoy sleeping through.
We walked down to the water to climb into a canoe so I could take in the scenery and Patrick could paddle for the both of us. And it hit me: this moment of stillness. Those few moments gave me an opportunity to remember the very reason I started this blog: to recognize the extraordinary moments of every day life. How many times had I passed a sunset or ignored the perfect weather? How many times had I taken friendships for granted and the endless amounts of people who offered to help us move, paint, and pack?
Today I am thankful for friendships. I’m grateful for God’s creation. And I’m overwhelmed by the gift of both.
Lori DeNeff
Thanks for your humor in the mundane and the reminder. He is present.