Here's a table for two by the window. We can see the view, but we're snug in a corner where we can really talk.
I've ordered a muffin and coffee. What will you have? The tea is very good.
So how have you been?
Life has been challenging for me, but I think I'm doing okay. I'm a bit worn down under all the pressure and uncertainty of the last two years, but the sun is shining and spring is coming. I feel that I will be fresh again one day.
Do you use sugar or cream? Here are some napkins. I always need extra. This is a really good muffin, by the way. I can order another if you'd like one.
I've been wanting to talk about something a bit deeper than the usual. Chatting about every day stuff is fun. But I've been wanting to do something a little more focused and thoughtful, something that will encourage.
What exactly do I mean?
This is the simplest way I can put it. I want to talk about the life we all dream of -- you know, the one playing like background music behind our thoughts, the vision hanging just out of reach, the yearning which won't go away, no matter how much we try to be satisfied with what we have.
Most of the time, we don't like to think about it. But actually, paying attention to our deepest longings can help us. Our desires for a fuller life are there for a reason. In the long run, we'll be stronger and more joyful if we look at what they are and talk about why they matter.
Okay, I guess this will take a while. But I don't mind if you don't.
Following the thought first penned by a famous modern author: if you were suddenly transported and woke up in the new life you long for, what would be one of the first signs to you that you are there?
11 comments:
I'll go first.
The first though that popped into my mind is my body. I would finally have it in the shape I want to be in. There. I said it.
What about you?
Hi, Cassandra, I'm really looking forward to following you on this blog, digging deeper, moving on. My hope, my longing, my prayer is that I won't miss what God has for me. Every morning I offer up to Him all that I am and the ministries He has put me into, and the responsibilities He has given me as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, mentor to younger ladies, and various ministries. As I go through daily life, my passions, activities, blog, responsibilities--my daily prayer is that I'll listen to God's voice and heart as I carry each out. I pray I'll let Him do those things through me. I know it's easy to get caught up in these things and NOT listen to Him or let Him do the work. I find I need to pray without ceasing, and that I'll be sensitive to His voice. Thanks for letting me join you at The Moonboat!
Linda
Me too, I'd be in terrific physical shape. Not younger, just in really good health & fitness. I'm going to have a think about your question because I'm not sure I've ever spent time "longing" for a life different than the one I have.
I would feel the soft brush of mosquito netting against my arm as I turned in bed, reminding me that I am indeed somewhere in Africa, doing whatever work the Lord has chosen for me, whether cooking, preaching, writing, teaching or keeping a guest house clean..
There would be a file folder of photos waiting to be edited, all the special needs kiddos I would photograph if I ever got brave enough.
There would be a freezer full of the evidence of my love to cook and bake. The challenge of gluten free keeps me longing to try again, try more, try new, but the every day job that is required to pay the bills keeps me from chasing the dreams I hold.
Someday. I'll figure out a better balance.
These are wonderful responses. Thank you for sharing with me!
I wouldn't be scared anymore.
Bless you, Kelly.
I love how you get right to the heart without further ado. Marvelous.
I'd be looking at a wonderful front porch, and the knowledge that I would finally be home. Everyone I love in the same place for once. No more fear......Lori
I'd know I was there because I would wake up and no longer be longing :) Truth of it is I would be somewhere warm, feel "put together" and have at least a few foster kids running around, with my healthy in mind and spirit kids helping along.
God Bless!
Shellie
Hmmmm...I try to be content, so I don't know that I've given this a huge amount of thought lately (I used to spend hours and hours poring over this question). I don't know that I would change any core elements, though on a completely superficial level, I'd love to live someplace warmer. But if that meant giving up some of the other key, truly important things about life here, I would turn it down.
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