A visit with family

As usual, I have let time go by and I haven't written about my activities. One thing I have realized is that my mind is like an hourglass. The sands of time slip by and the details in my memories fade, never to be recovered. And this blog helps me remember not just the factual activities, but sometimes even the emotions, the visual experience, sometimes even the olfactory sensation that comes from being in a place. I love that the written word has that impact.

Over the last two weeks I have realized that I have too much stress at work. It is almost constant, and I cried about it to both my boyfriend and my boss. I have to admit I sometimes think about it and try to think of an "exit strategy" but I know that an exit has its own perils, its own disasters. I would have to get reacquainted with new co-workers, new processes, a new boss, new duties...new everything. Sometimes that thought does excite me but most of the time it fills me with fear. I am a creature of habit. So I had a day off last Friday. And I didn't hardly think about my work life at all. How awesome is that!

My sister came into the state with her baby girl, who will be two in June. How has time flown? I drove to my parents' to see all of them, and my daughters joined me the next day. It wasn't the most exciting visit, admittedly. Her daughter is still pretty wary of me and refuses to leave her side. My sister was also not feeling well so she struggled with maintaining a chipper attitude. But, we watched the Olympics and the women figure skaters, we watched my niece play, and we saw how smart she is. She would say "nose running!" and come over to get her nose wiped. She would say "Okay?" asking her mom if she was feeling okay. She would sing little songs and sing a Lithuanian ditty called "Doogy Dolly" or something crazy like that. She definitely was opinionated and would say "No!" She could pronounce some of our names. My sister had to spell words because my niece definitely knew what we were saying most of the time. Smart girl!

I dropped them both off at the airport yesterday to go home. My sister and I did get to talk and we finally shared some more personal thoughts. I reflected after dropping her off, that I always have this strange experience in going to my parents' because I remember how it was like before I became a believer. I am not, of course, better. However, what God has done for me has given me peace, and an overall feeling that "it's going to be okay." Not a made up feeling, or something we just assume will happen, but a real sense of knowing that I belong to the One who is in control, who will do a great work in me and in His followers, and that I have a place with Him, and will be there one day. What a gift!