Thursday, July 15, 2010

UNEXPECTED VACATIONS

He pranced across the leaf covered wooden deck as though he were prancing on coals. Meko didn't want to get his feet wet. Heavy dew glistened on the honeysuckle vines covering the back yard. I took a deep breath, stretched my arms and took in all the beauty. The "boys" and I had just come back from a long walk, up and down those hills. We were all out of breath and I wanted a chance to rest before going inside. Meko and Bailey were ready for "round two". The temperature gauge registered 101 as I wiped my forehead. I've never felt so relaxed. Ever notice sometimes God "allows stuff to happen?" I was without Internet service from June 29th until yesterday. I believe that's seventeen days. I'm a writer. I need to be on line. No matter how frustrated I became, no matter what I tried, nothing worked. Friends called and said, "come to South Carolina." Under normal circumstances, I would have said, "I'm too busy right now. We really can't do it." However, God worked it out for me. My husband had the car packed in record time. Not only were we able to go, I had the best time I've had in a long time. We did absolutely nothing except enjoy each other. There were five of us. We ate, talked, slept and ate some more, and then talked some more and then took a nap. I came home with a new outlook. Rested and ready to write. I came up with a few new thoughts on the manuscript I'm working on. A few days before we left for this unexpected mini-vacation, a friend asked me how I was doing. I told her great, except I was feeling really tired. God heard me, and made me go rest. Thank you Lord for unexpected vacations.

14 comments:

kathy taylor said...

Seventeen days without Internet: wow! It's so difficult to remember the times without it. I was always at the library researching something. Now I'm home. Glad you're back on line!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks so much Kathy. There was no phone jack in my office. We tried wireless---I previously had a different service. Then I had the wrong modem, the wrong router, and it went on until the phone company came, installed the jack. The morning after they installed the jack, we left for SC for few days. The hair on the right side of my head is going to grow back!!!!!

Karen Lange said...

What a blessing! Have a wonderful time.
Blessings,
Karen :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katt -

I could sure use one of those vacations. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks Karen. I didn't realize it, but this morning I closed my eyes and I was right back in South Carolina. Yes, mini- unexpected vacations are wonderful!
Hugs and blessings to you
Katt

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Susan, next time I'll call you and you can come too! Wouldn't that be fun!!!!

Carol J. Garvin said...

Now I know why you've been missing from around here. The Lord always knows our needs before we even ask. What a blessing to be the recipient of his love and care! I'm glad you're back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol, thanks so much for your encouragement---being off line so long, I really got behind. Then going to SC for a couple days---well, that did me a lot of good! I needed to be away from this crazy computer for a few days. If I don't get caught up today---well there's always tomorrow, right?
Hugs
Katt

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

You are such an inspiration, and one of God's special gifts. Thanks, Miss Katt!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy, thanks my sweet friend. One day I'm going to show up on your doorstep! With cookies! :D

David Ebright said...

I can tell you - no way I could hold up without consistent prayer. Lot of family "stuff" lately - Totally exhausting, but HE is in control & gets me n' Deb through it & never turns His back on us. Have seen some fantastic blessings for my kids this past week where only 3 days ago things seemed hopeless. I'm truly thankful but really really tired - more tired than I can ever remember. You're a terrific person. Enjoy your weekend.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Dave, I'm so glad you are able to see the work of the Lord in your kids lives. I stand amazed at HIS work in my life too. There have been times when I thought there was no hope. I was ready to throw in the towel, but God wouldn't let me. He sent someone each time to "pull me out of the water" or the fire which ever the case was.
I think you're amazing too. Now get some rest!
Hugs
Katt

Charlene & Harold said...

Kathy, We enjoyed the vacation with you in South Carolina. We really enjoyed your coments on the vacation.
LOVE YOU, Char & Harold

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Harold & Char,
That was a vacation wasn't it!!! We are still talking about it. I wanna go back!
See you soon.
Love you both
Katt