Bison and Tawny Frogmouths, among other things

<- Home sweet home: my dear room with its "frightening" wall of portraits.

My sister says it’s because I’m an introvert—and I tend to believe her. I love being home, well, stationary. Travel and adventures are always intriguing, but I love the simple adventures of settled folk, surrounded by people I love and a dog running around licking people and begging for food on the sly. I’m a home body at heart and, at the end of the day, it’s where I regain my energy and can truly settle down, laugh, and be completely me. Which brings me to the thought that perhaps it isn’t that I prefer not to travel or to see new things, but rather the difficulty I find with always seeing places and meeting people who I will never really know.

Well, at any rate, while my first week at home was full of rest, tea, crafts and sewing, this next week has definitely made up for it in going out, entertaining, and DOING things. And, despite my thoughts above, it has been wonderful, fulfilling—though sometimes also exhausting.

I was supposed to meet my friend Topaz for a late coffee after her long work day in the world of corporate and cubicals. La Piaza was just closing when we met up there, so we decided to walk along the deserted streets of Wheaton, ending up on a park bench where we lingered for hours. It was such a beautiful, warm summer night, windy and refreshing after a hot day. Topaz is one of those friends I’ve had ever since I can remember, who has seen me at my worst. Over the last several years we haven’t kept in touch and have grown apart. But Tuesday night we were able to pour our hearts out to each other with more depth and love than we ever have before. I was struck dumb with the realization of the incredible presence she had been in my life since the very beginning up until now, and so humbled by her love for me and the encouragement and wisdom she gave.

Looking back now, I can see how God used our time together to encourage and prepare me—not simply to be packed away for some unforeseeable future, but for this very week—for right now.

Yesterday morning, I read Psalm 4 and was suddenly impressed with the need to memorize it. I confess I haven’t been in the habit of memorizing Scripture for quite awhile, but Topaz and I had talked about the importance of having it inside our hearts to reflect and pray throughout the day. It’s a short Psalm, so over breakfast I memorized and recited it a few times.

I met up with my friends from high school later that afternoon and was really looking forward to seeing them, but throughout the outing I felt as though I was fighting within myself, struggling to listen and love and celebrate them while finding that so many things that I believe and stand for they despise. I just kept praying and meditating on that Psalm. When I arrived back home I felt discouraged and very disappointed with myself. It was really hot and muggy outside, the mosquitoes were dreadful and I started mowing the lawn. After the grass was cut, I had agreed to meet them at friend’s house for a bonfire, and I really didn’t want to go. I thought about this as I pushed the mower back and forth. And then, I heard the thunder come rolling in and light drops of cool refreshing rain. I stored the mower in our little shed and stood outside watching the storm. It was so beautiful and refreshing and the smell was so cleansing! It was such an encouragement, such a blessing, and I think now how very much like Jonah I can be. The storm, like the shade God provided for him as he dreaded so very much the city of Nineveh. It was very encouraging and I found myself praising God and suddenly filled with so much energy. I put on my running shoes, grabbed my harmonica and started down the street to meet my friends for an adventure of toasting marshmallows and drinking raspberry lemonade. I hadn’t gotten very far when, putting the harmonica up to my lips, and trying to keep my gait, played as best I could “You are my sunshine.” I’m quite certain I looked rather ridiculous running down the street gasping in between the notes, but it was so much fun and I was laughing so hard, trying to fathom how wonderful, how completely good and merciful God is.

“Hear me when I call, Oh God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer…put your trust in the LORD. There are many who say, “who will show us any good?” LORD, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4).

Eager to hear from you, missing you, and love to you all!

Sincerely,

Sarah

P.S.

I did go to the zoo—which was such fun! I saw bison! And all sorts of other incredible creatures. I wanted to mention for you especially Hannah Vee, with your love for birds, two that inspired me: The splendidly quarky Tawny Frogmouth and Trumpeter Hornbill.