Renewal

The RevGalBlogPals blog is a group of women who are involved in or discerning a religious vocation. I am not part of that group, but I was interested in their "Friday Five" Meme this week.

The verse: I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19, NRSV

From Kim: (That's the second time I've seen that verse -- just TODAY)

The question: I ponder the words of Isaiah and the relief and refreshment of a river in the desert.For this Friday Five, name five practices, activities, people or _____ (feel free to fill in something I may be forgetting) that for you are rivers in the desert."

What are my rivers in the desert? I think it's an important question because it is necessary to know what brings us renewal -- what brings us refreshment -- what brings us closer to God. I thought to make it a little more challenging, I would change the question to What are my five practices, activities or people TODAY who are for me rivers in the dessert?

1. Quiet breakfast -- Is there any better way to begin a day than with an unrushed breakfast? Our schedule was different this Sunday than it usually is -- we drove to another town close to our home for church. We didn't go to Sunday school, so we left home and drove to Panera. It was great -- breakfast with Steve and J, no rush, no worries. Just a relaxing time before church. Unusual.
2. Worship -- We attended church in a small town near our home, but not at our regular church. A friend of ours (JtM) was preaching, so we went to hear him. It was a very friendly, warm church where we were made to feel completely at home. No surprise -- the sermon was terrific and the worship was real.
3. A nap -- As a member of our church says, "Sometimes you just have to go to sleep." I've had a cold; after we got home from church, a nap was just what I needed -- renewal.
4. Youth meeting -- We've (Steve and I) recently joined the youth leader team. The meeting tonight was small but fun, and it was interesting getting to know a few of the youth better.
5. Dinner with friends -- In case you missed the birthday cake on fire in yesterday's post, yesterday was my birthday. I'm 43; it doesn't bother me to say it. I would rather be 43 than the alternative. For the third evening in a row, I had a birthday dinner. That's pretty special -- three dinners in a row! This one was with wonderful friends (JtM, MT and their daughter). Dinner, followed by coffee -- more importantly, an evening filled with laughter. What could be more renewing?
6. Son home from New York -- G has been in New York on a school trip for the past few days. Late tonight he came home. I think he's taller, older and different than he was four days ago. I may never understand him again. That's not very renewing, but it is a relief to have him home, and to know that he is upstairs in his room, asleep.

Oops. That's six! I guess any day when you can name six events that have been renewing is a good one!