Living Vertically,  Our Kids, Our Family,  The Story

Intentional Rhythm

We did it.

All kids are all in school.  Even, presumably, the two in college; and the tallest one who’s in North Carolina.

I now sit with this moment that I’ve projected tasks into for weeks.  “When school starts I will have more structured time to get done what I need to get done.”  Often said in the context of getting together with important people… and working a new family budget… and exercise.  So here it is.  The moment.

I hit my knees and listen to Amazing Grace (my theme song! A gift of the moment on Pandora) and let myself become absorbed in the grace and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.

My fabulous husband has put on his suit-costume and gone to fight the battles of his work.  I pray for him to get the peace and progress he so desires.

I installed Jack onto the new, clean school bus with his buddy Jack E., and together they’re now-giddy with excitement.  I saw Riley bouncing through her gigantic 8th Grade hallway with Aine and Maddie.  She was instantly in her element.  She mouthed to me with wide eyes, “why are you HERE?”  I smiled and winked, satisfied that I embarrassed her already on the first day of school.

Now I am here in my office, committed and motivated to getting strong control of what’s next.  I need ritual and rhythm.  A rhythm I must build with intent.

Arms stretched wide in gratitude and joy and openness.  I intend to soar and glide through the start of a new season of opportunity;  creating new Intentional Rhythm.

A rhythm that I must build: to ensure progress, that true priorities are met, that we laugh and grow.  A rhythm that allows for a keen awareness of God’s pressings on our mind and heart toward His goals.  Through my heart, I listen to His desires for my growth and life.  I celebrate the ultimate freedom to be open to His plan as I pursue my hearts’ desires.  Strong, safe, creative, family. Healthy, yes, healthy inside and out.  Through and through. Accomplishing the great things I am meant to do.  Using the gifts I’ve been given to help and to make a difference. I place my desires on Him, and through Him, my heart’s desires are fully met!  Crazy, right?

I can expect more of myself only because of the strength I get from supernatural love.  It’s All Connected.  I am the physical link between my actions and my desires … and I am also the obstacle.

So I am intentional about starting the work with a devoted heart, asking to be consumed and opened to God’s voice on my day and how to spend my time. Intentional means I plan it so it doesn’t plan meRhythm means the plan is soothing in it’s pace and I can keep the beat.

Summer’s been a blast.  Flying by the seat of our pants, celebrating daily.  All as it should be.

Now, I have a serious need for that Intentional Rhythm.  A rhythm keeps us in tune, in time, in unity.  It requires a sheet of well-orchestrated music.  I point my face upward, and let the music fill my blood stream.   I listen and hear.  I write my strategy.