4.28.2009

away



you can't run from trials. from heartache. from pain. from the tall and heavy things you face. i've been trying to all my life. this is how i know it doesn't work. these things will evenutally follow you. you have to face them. you have to deal with them. i know that. i'm feeling surrounded by them right now.

but what you can do is escape for a little while—retreat to breathe, collect, regroup, think, reflect and pray. all good things to gather up strength for a return to face your giants.

although i am going to florida to see my husband's family, i am also going to use this trip for all these things. every time i go, i'm in that place of wanting to run away from trouble or pain. and every time i go, i sit here in this spot {in the photo}. i stop. i let the water and the waves wash over me. i let the sounds and smells seep in. i wait. it is the best solitude i have ever known—walking for hours along the beach. i am so grateful to be going again. it could not come at a better time.

i know when i return, i will still be out of a job. i will still be without children. i will still have much to accomplish. i will still have the same amount of money in my bank account, the same simple education i've been given, the same piles of bills and laundry sitting in my house. the same cares and the same past. the same resources. the same gifts and talents.

but i am anticipating something on this trip. i really don't know what. i just feel it. i can actually sense that something significant will happen while i'm there. it may be a small change in my heart or a great realization about my life. whatever it is, i await it with eagerness.

i have never been able to go on a trip and bring the bare minimum. i always bring far too many things. this time, i am bringing a few changes of clothing and my new camera. not even music. perhaps a book. i am going to learn the art of simplicity. i am going to let myself be free of things. i'm tired of things. coming from a packrat like me, this is strange.

but i'm ready for a change.

i think a lot of people are. i know there are people all around me going through difficult things. in this fast-paced world we live in, i pray that whether you are able take a trip or not, you may know a simple and recharging escape like this. whether alone or with family or friends, make time for this.

i'm leaving tomorrow for five days. i look forward to my return and catching up with you all, for you all mean very much to me.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

be blessed. i wait in expectation to see and hear and read of the small and the big moments.

i will be praying for you.

much love,
c

ps- i discovered handel's chair yesterday. it was such a special find. it was the chair he sat on during the very first performance of messiah, in dublin. i took photos for you and needless to say, you were in my thoughts for the rest of the day.

Haphazardkat said...

Have a wonderful time--and yes, spend 5 days worry free, time enough to come back and wear that heavy cloak again.

I shall anxiously await pics from your trip :D

Char said...

I so want to go to the beach...and for the exact same reasons. I hope it recharges your batteries and brings you some serenity...at least for a bit.

Rochelle said...

wow. so well said. thanks G! have a fantastic trip and totally soak in those wonderful days away.

ELK said...

oh what wisdom today ~i will be waiting for you as you return.
blessings
elk

Katrina said...

have such a wonderful trip. and thanks for visiting my blog, nice to meet you...

beth said...

lucky you to get some time away...soak it all up, roll around in it, rub it on like lotion and wear it on your lips like the brighest lipstick ever !!! sometimes there is just NOTHING better than to be "away" even if everything is the same when you get back...

A said...

reading your post was wonderful... you are wonderful with words. and the place in your picture looks amazing. wish you the best as you search. can't wait to see pictures!

spread your wings said...

for some strange reason this brings tears to my eyes and i want to hug you - it's so beautifully written and so close to my heart.
i'm yearning for the simple like too - to be free of all this "stuff"
i absolutely love this photo too - such a great perspective.
all the best to you as you travel and take the time to renew. i can't wait to hear about your trip.

Anonymous said...

that's a beautifully written post.
have a wonderful trip.

~h~ said...

Enjoy your trip. Books are a must when traveling. Nicely written as always. :)

margie said...

georgia, i understand exactly what you mean. i am the process of decluttering my life, we are moving into an apartment from a six bedroom house. this is a positive move, i have health issues that make this house difficult. rather than it being a sad hard thing i am feeling strangely positive about a lighter simpler life. good luck to you on this holiday! find what you are looking for right there on the beach.

e.o.w. said...

I hope you're having (or had) a wonderful time!

Jamie said...

I hope you find exactly what you need on this trip. Let the warm sunny weather seep into your soul and breathe. Just breathe.

Alaskangal B said...

Cherish Yesterday, Dream of Tommorow and LIVE TODAY!!!

Olivia StClaire said...

Georgia,
Have a wonderful, restful time. While reading, I feel as though something is waitiing for you... strange, huh? simplicity is a good thing - you then surround yourself with what really matters - & usually that is within!
xo

Candi said...

Beautifully written! I have a feeling something wonderful is coming out of this trip. I'm sure you are having a great time! Have fun!!!