Wednesday, September 2, 2020

What Makes You Smile?







Hi Friends ~

I've begun to purposely take notice of what makes me smile.  Not a goofy grin, but a warm glow that comes from a sight, a sound, a scent, a touch ... springing forth from a calm heart, a mind at ease, a body at rest, an expectant spirit.

It's being outdoors.

A lunchtime picnic with my husband.  A few hours spent with a friend, our feet tucked in the sand.  A brisk walk around the neighborhood.  Designing little gardens edged with vintage brick.  

Curling up somewhere comfy with a book.  Beachcombing on the shoreline with a couple of eager granddaughters.  Taking pictures of whatever catches my eye as I go through the day.  Attempting a nap on the hammock at the edge of the woods.  

I'm craving outdoors and all that good stuff that breathes life, that offers a sense of place, that makes gratitude bubble up.

It dawned on me the past few days that dusk is arriving earlier and earlier and that summer is waning by the minute.  After waiting so long for its arrival, now I'm wishing it wasn't fading away so quickly.

So I'm going to take some time off from being online.   

Unplugging to recharge.

I read somewhere recently that you shouldn't make a big deal and tell your readers every time you take a break.  But when you're doing life in the company of others, it seems just a tad inconsiderate to vanish into thin air without saying 'see ya' later.' 

I feel strangely relieved at the prospect of pretty much abandoning my laptop, not careening from pillar to post online, and letting my phone rest a spell.  A week, a month, somewhere in between?

I feel His pleasure in this early September decision.

What's making you smile as wisps of autumn approach?

Love to you ~

Linda






 “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place 
and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31

*

i'll be back!

45 comments:

  1. Enjoy your time away! In my 14+ years of blogging, I have often take long breaks, sometimes not returning for over a year. I have to tell you, I am a bit envious of the beach strolls. I lived in Florida for nearly 20 years of my adult life, so I was always at the ocean. Now, I'm in a landlocked state, and I haven't been to the beach in nearly a decade.

    Blessings to you,
    Patti @ Clothed with Joy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patti, 14+ years is quite a track record! I'd love to hear your story of lengthy breaks and your longevity in blogging.

      Maybe it's because you've taken those breaks and come back with a fresh perspective and a new energy ... not only to write but to do the ministry of connection?

      The longest I've pulled back is a month. It was a relief to shut down ... and after living life away from the screen, I couldn't WAIT to return!

      Delete
  2. I love all your photos Linda... they are beautiful. I hope you enjoy your break and find that refreshment! We aren't seeing any wisps of fall here just yet. Still extremely hot and humid but supposed to cool down some this weekend and I am so ready for it to. I have though, like you, noticed that dusk is arriving a little earlier now. I will look forward to your return. Your blog is always a joy to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Gail, I'm glad you find some joy here! It's the kindness that readers like you share that fuel the fire of writing and doing community from afar.

      And yes, I finally caved this morning and put the AC back on. I hear ya' ...

      Delete
  3. I feel you exhaling in this post. Yes. Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Carla. Sometimes you just KNOW when it's time to unplug and go live life untethered to the screen, the schedule, the ministry of connection.

      Just for a bit ...

      Delete
    2. Linda,

      Your Reply reminded me of great reviews I've heard about John Eldridge's latest book, "Get Your Life Back". I've not read it but I'm getting ready to.

      Among things that make me smile in September... subtle color changes in leaves & foliage, the picture book Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak whose illustrations brilliantly showcase those color changes, cool morning breezes, late summer produce in our area - corn/tomatoes/watermelon/cantaloupe, crickets chirping at dusk, drives with my husband to see farmer's fields and mountains, journaling my thoughts about the upcoming season, a word or phrase or quote that speaks to my heart that I know to use as a guidepost for the upcoming season, a stocked pantry, walks with my husband, golden light right before sunset, happy dogs, turning the air conditioner on less often, opening the windows more often, texts and photos from loved ones, clean sheet day... Thanks for the prompt to think about such things!

      Carla

      Delete
    3. Farmer's fields and mountains ... journaling, open windows, golden light, texts and photos, clean sheets, walks.

      Yes, yes, yes.

      The best things in life are free, aren't they ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  4. Smile as autumn approaches? Hmmm I'm going to have to think about that one. Autumn means winter is around the corner and that means my cycling and outside activity will be curtailed. Enjoy your time away Linda. I pray it is a good recharge for you. And thanks for speaking life into me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, Bill. I'm not at all looking forward to being inside again for months on end. Winter goes on forever around here and there looks to be no breaks in restrictions in sight. So I'm choosing to celebrate whatever outdoor time I can grasp!

      Delete
  5. What makes me smile? Life ... to be alive ... to see others alive. To observe people. I find my mind always working at seeing the funny side of life ... which makes me smile. Stupidity. It makes me smile. I guess God loves stupid people seeing He has created so many of them.

    Enjoy your internet holiday. Return refreshed and smiling. Visit other blogs and ... smile!

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't you just love observing people?! One of my favorite things to do ... and then listening to their stories.

      Stupidity? Yep, that abounds. Especially in this season everywhere you look. Where would we be without Jesus ...

      Delete
  6. I smiled at the sign that said, "Free Beer!",
    and at a Moroccoan belly dancer.
    I smile when Christmastime draws near,
    and yes, I smile at cancer,
    and cancer don't know what to make
    of my broadhearted grin;
    how much more can I still take
    before I let it win?
    It gibbers and it chews the floor,
    looks to see if smile's still there,
    and then it acts the fool some more
    but really, I don't have a care,
    'cause blood of Christ has saved my bacon
    and I am not for cancer's takin'.

    Enjoy your time off!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A genuine broadhearted grin is sheer gift in this unending season we find ourselves in. And even more so as you continue to battle cancer, friend.

      And yes, thank You, Jesus for your salvation. We're keeping our eyes on You!

      Delete
  7. I'm smiling as I read your words and how many echo my thoughts. It's still quite hot and humid here but it still looks like a good time to sneak in a few minutes with a book and the blue skies. Enjoy every minute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just about to pick up a book after spending a few minutes chatting here, friend! Those blue skies are calling my name, too ...

      Delete
  8. Linda, the photos you shared here truly brought a smile to my face, and refreshed my spirit. Yes, you will be missed around here, but I absolutely understand the need to regroup and regain that sense of peace and balance. Enjoy your time of rest!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please don't stay away too long! I'm excited that fall is coming and I look forward to cooler weather. We are under a excessive heat warning until Monday but that may extend. What made me smile recently was there are these two sweet people at our church whom I had what the young nowadays people call "shipped" meaning I had hoped they would get together and I discovered last night after Bible study they were a couple😍.
    Anyway, that made me smile.😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, to see a young couple, any couple, truly enamored with each other and with Christ is such a lovely gift ...

      Delete
  10. Enjoy your time off and may you come back refreshed.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enjoy your time away, Linda! Being outside makes me smile too. I actually got to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors last week and it was fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't get enough of this fresh air, cool breezes, warm sunshine!

      Keep showing us how to smile, Lisa ...

      Delete
  12. Beautiful photos of what makes you smile. Outdoor activity has kept me smiling during these unusual times. Enjoy the rest and time away...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Pam, I'm encouraging all my readers to RUN not walk over to your place to explore your enchanting Sunshine Cottage!

      Bliss ...

      https://everydayliving.me/2020/09/03/the-sunshine-cottage/

      Delete
  13. Outside is my favourite place to be too. It is what energizes me. My vision board is basically all outside pictures. Have a wonderful break breathing in the beauty of September, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh ... I'd love to hear more about your vision board, Lynn. All about the outside? Absolutely.

      Yes please!

      Looking forward to reading your writing again ...

      Delete
  14. I love and appreciate you, sweet friend, and will miss you. I totally understand your feelings and decision. I have been doing the same - my dear, sweet husband always tells me to never allow my blogs to become a burden. I do not adhere to any type of posting schedule, and I only post when God really lays a burden or pressing thought on my heart. Otherwise, I stay in a place of stillness before Him. I trust He will walk extra close to you in this time of unplugging, and I will look forward to catching up with you when He leads you to return!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right, Cheryl! When blogging becomes a burden - the writing or the visiting all over the place, it's time to take a breather.

      I love how you put it, staying 'in a place of stillness before Him.' My heart's desire resonates with yours, friend ...

      Delete
  15. What’s making me smile right now? That’s a great question, Linda. I’d have to say starting the fall cleanup outside, thinking about moving stuff around in my flowerbeds, and “remodeling” our linen closet/medicine shelves after nine years of thinking we should do it “someday.” Also, the new rhythms of life with only three of us at home ... it’s quieter, for sure, but spending time with one child while the other is loving college Is makes my heart happy. I hope your time off is restful, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I hope you'll write about your at homekeeping 'adventures,' Lois. I really enjoyed the posts on your kitchen re-do ... very fun and motivating.

      I'm so glad your daughter is loving college! Isn't it just the best gift when we know our kids are happy and doing what they've been called to do?!

      Sounds like you're weathering the emptying next well ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  16. I hope you have a relaxing and rejuvenating rest break, Linda. Love and blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Trudy! You've been a terrific role model for us, showing how to take a necessary blogging break and come back only when you're rested and ready.

      I appreciate how you practice this good self-care.

      Delete
    2. Oh Linda, it is you that have taught me so much about giving myself more grace. I appreciate that so much!

      Delete
    3. We minister back and forth to each other, don't we friend ...

      God is good to have brought us together ... although when and where I have absolutely no idea!

      ;-}

      Delete
  17. I will miss you, Linda, but I hope you enjoy your break and feel refreshed. What has made me smile this week is being with people! Having lunch with friends twice this week and also having a face-to-face work meeting for the first time in five months made me feel grateful that we're taking small steps towards more normality!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh what joy, to connect with people face to face ... a meal, a meeting, an outdoor Sunday service, a walk.

      Yes, please to taking those small steady steps toward normality {whatever that may look like!}

      Thank You, Lord ...

      Delete
  18. We will miss you for however long you decide you need, Linda! But I TOTALLY understand! I always take a blogging break and it feeds my soul to do so. Can't keep pouring out without refilling! Hugs to you and enjoy your hubby, family and beautiful Cape Cod coastline!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love how you put that, Beth ... 'it feeds my soul.'

      One online friend called it a sabbath.

      Yes, yes!

      Delete
  19. I'm with you, Linda, wishing the long days of summer would last a bit longer. I love sitting on the deck in God's living room (a Michael Hyatt expression) as the sun rises, Bible study, prayer materials, and coffee in hand. (I could do without the days of excess heat and humidity, however. Those mornings I settle for indoors!) But soon it will be candle season! And that's another pleasure--to let the flame represent the Lord, my Light and Salvation, joining me. What made me smile just this morning: as I stood from my deck chair, a startled woodchuck trundled through our backyard to the neighbor's and into the little woods behind our houses. Pretty cute (from a distance)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'God's living room.' What a creatively apt description, Nancy! I'm savoring every lovely outdoor day I can find.

      And oh yes to the candle. I absolutely hear what you're saying ...

      Delete
  20. Enjoy your break! We'll leave a light on in anticipation of your return!

    ReplyDelete