Back in the Country past the city limit signs...

I'm in New Jersey for the weekend and I'm in the country.  I am here "babysitting" my cousins.  I put that in quotes because, they're actually old enough to do things for themselves, I am just here to make sure the house doesn't burn down, food gets cooked, football practice is attended, etc...

I was a little nervous about this trip, but it is going to be a great weekend.  The plane ride was uneventful, thank God!  After my flight to CT last month, I'm noticing my comfort level while flying has decreased quite some bit.  That is very unusual for me.  I used to really enjoy flying, since I have been flying since I was a little kid.  But after that one adrenaline rushing flight, my heart beats rapidly with the thought of an upcoming flight.  So on Thursday, I had several people praying I wouldn't have a panic attack.  I was relaxing at my house, watching tv, when the thoughts of my previous plane ride came into my head.  My heart started beating quickly and my palms began to sweat.  I began to pray really hard because I don't want to be that person who can't fly.  Check in when well, I made it through security, and then I sat at the gate for what seemed like FOREVER.  Finally, I boarded the plane, found my seat and started praying.  My earphones were in place, and I was jamming out to some worship music.  And I survived my flight!  I must admit, my palms were sweaty, especially towards the end when we encountered some turbulence.  It didn't help that the two men in front of me seemed deathly afraid of flying, and with any jostle of the plane their faces scrunched and their hands were placed over their face.  I am already starting to pray for my flight on Tuesday!

Ok, so anyway... I'm in the country.

I really love New England!  The small towns, quaint streets, old houses.  It really makes my heart happy to be in a place like this.  I am about 35 miles outside of NYC, but you would have no clue.  This town doesn't have any fast food chains because they don't allow drive-thru places.  BUT they do have a starbucks.  I have yet to visit, but I have only been here since yesterday!  Right now I am sitting with the doors open, and the crickets are filling the quiet.  This place reminds me of home.  It's warm during the day and cool at night.  The air conditioner doesn't need to be on and you can sleep with your windows open.  I even slept with the blinds open last night and it was so dark in the room I couldn't believe it.  Now I really LOVE the city and would live right downtown if I had enough money, but there is just something about being in the country on a summer night that makes my heart smile.  I feel a closer to God out here.  It's not quite as busy.  Nature can't help but scream right in my face, and I can't help but thank God for everything.  

I have noticed lately that I keep getting more and more busy.  It's my fault because I am the one who keeps added things to my plate.  I wonder how much I am missing the Lord say because I am always on the go, needed to be somewhere, do something for someone, clean this, wash that.  It seems that the list goes on and on.  I am really working on making time for myself.  Time to reflect on life so that it doesn't pass me by.  I don't want to be so busy that I miss out on now!