Relationship with Routine

Celebrating our Routine Dad

Next week I'm going on vacation ... and Routine is not invited! I'm afraid this may be the breaking point in our relationship ... However, time will tell what happens after a brief separation to evaluate what we both really want.  I have never felt more stuck in a relationship than I do at present, my relationship with Routine that is.  It has been three months and I've found myself in the "this is getting old" part of the relationship and I'm trying to figure out if I need to try something different to spice it up, break up with it or stay the course for peace of mind even though I'm not feeling satisfied or happy.  Don't get me wrong, Routine is good to me, it truly can help one feel comfort, peace, joy and satisfaction.   However, if ones relationship with Routine is not life-giving, feels 'old' and status quo, one can quickly feel suffocated by Routine's affection and attention.

In reality, I love Routine, but I love Routine that changes!  My soulmate thrives on routine and my Mighty Men need routine, preferably one that they're aware of even as it's changing.  When we are faced with a sudden halt and about face change in routine, it takes a bit to reestablish.  We have reestablished a new routine since March 17th., it feels stable, normal, we know what to expect and ... I found myself wanting a change.  I can see you cringing, my "stable, routine is good, no need for change" dear ones whom I need and love in my life.  I wish it was as simple as changing the furniture change (I still see you cringing), that would be easy !  No, I'm talking about change of perspective change, the not so easy kind.  

My Hiding Place has a visitor, a spider.  Every afternoon it rains and every morning said visitor has to rebuild his house.  I watch, almost daily, as he circles around and around from spoke to spoke until he reaches the center, creating a new habitation.  As I've watched this daily routine, I've come to believe that spiders don't have feelings.  If they did and could process the sheer absurdity of this "every-single-day routine", I'm quite certain, they would go insane. 

The profound point of this blog is not "do spiders even know they do the same thing every single day" or  "how to spice up my relationship with Routine" ... No, the heart of the matter is my need for 'A heavenly perspective'.  Weather you are feeling stuck in, thriving in, wanting to break out of, or resting in the peace thereof ... Without a heavenly perspective, routine is just ... routine.  "But in my heart, I have set apart Christ as Lord .,. He has come that we may have life and have it to the full!" I Peter 3:15, John 10:10.  Instead of looking at the routine of routine, choosing His perspective (give thanks in all circumstances) in said routine, fills me with HOPE!  His perspective is always life-giving and inadvertently gives life to Those whose educational needs have necessitated said relationship with Routine.

His perspective ... Spicing up routine ... Choosing to be grateful

Life on the Mountain

Grateful for the gifts He's given us (Praises) ... Noises in nature, the beauty of raindrops on everything, campfires with friends, the grandeur of thunder rumbling though the mountains, granola and peanut butter, candle light snuggles and movie with Adam, rice and beans, Jedi's creativity in writing, laughter with neighbors, teachers who strive to make learning fun, late night heart to hearts with M & J, technology to keep us connected, the gift of hearing a new Mama's heart, free college courses, the gift of another year of life for our Bringer of light, incredibly blessed to celebrate our earthly fathers, a youth group who knows, loves and feeds our mighty men, a date night, and a God who loves to spice up my routine! 

Prayers

Micah's plans to fly to the states August 6th for his senior year

A strong wifi connection to do a virtual Karios course with our 6 teams throughout CA

Borders to open up so I can fly with Micah

Healing from stomach bug symptoms
Safe and life giving vacation next week
Joseph & Jedi's relationship and as they process Micah leaving CR

To honor God with our perspective in routine

He insisted that the mask was vital to a zoom call! ...
how long till the newness wears off. 

Saturday morning delight ... can time slow down?!

They have a song, now they just need a band name ...

Oh these boys ...
Enjoying a mask free outing to the mall ...
Masks will be obligatory starting 6/27!

This box sat on our front porch for "too long"
in some persons eyes ...
However, it provided hours of creative and imaginative
play for the three amigos! 

"Getting his house in order" ...
checking off his tasks (organizing the library)
before he leaves CR

Micah's "Rona Hair" ...
Some would say "Mom is refusing to cut it" ...
Mom would say ...
"It looks so amazingly cool, just let it grow a little more!"  

This boy's creative ideas with recycling and hot glue ...
it's a Robot!

Celebrating Dad ...
Surprise, surprise ...
Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder!  

Apple pie and ice cream ...
Celebrating this Tender Hearts spiritual birthday!

Birthday Smores ...
you have to be creative during rainy season!  

Happy 7th Adam! ...
"best gift ever" ...
He is showing his new watch to EVERYONE!

Homemade Cheezits ... This one is creative in the kitchen! 

Pizza and Netflix for the boys ...
 Steak, ribs and cheese cake for Los Padres! ...
The sweetness of date night ...
Sharing our woes of routine and
Choosing a heavenly perspective!