Re all the “re’s”…..

The theme of the conference in Texas was “Restored”. 

I really didn’t know what to expect and had no big ideas for what I wanted to glean this time. I didn’t have specific questions lined up. I just went. I went because Russ encouraged and supported me to go. 

It was very light attendance. In the past there were at least one hundred in attendance. This time it was more like thirty at most. There were presenters and planners that upped the number a bit, but it was a small one. 

This changed the energy quite a bit. It meant that you definitely were able to chat with speakers and organizers up close and personally. It also was harder to mingle with attendees since after I had made small talk with the number of strangers I can comfortably maintain with the social energy God has given me…I had pretty much had some kind of interaction with everyone in the room early on. 

Was it worth it? 

Of course. 

It always is. 

There is a benefit to getting away and with any group of people who do the same thing you do. The personalities and problems, the joys and challenges that are common for a profession, hobby, interest or calling are unique and being in a room filled with kindred spirits is always good for the soul. 

So I decided that I was more than Restored.

As I sat and pondered it while I waited for the last flight that would bring me back to my home-sweet-home, I decided to come up with five “re’s” that would sum it up. 

Here we go…

Restored –

Yes, through speakers and just time in between with a prayer room and lovely outdoor seating, I was able to utilize the provided Bibles several times and just sat reading and praying. 

Many of the speakers talked about the importance of Bible reading, study, mediation, and prayer. 

When I started the blog, I also taught adult Sunday school. I was a regular attendee of the year round women’s studies our church provided. I stopped teaching just before the nightmare that was 2020. The studies ceased and somehow the routine of study got interrupted never to be resumed by yours truly. 

Oh, I attend services and I read my devotions. I dig in every now and then to learn more, but the daily intake has suffered. Sitting with that Bible open and just reading and mediating and praying restored a place in me that needed to be healed. 

Rebooted –

This one is more about health. Physical health. 

I left here on Sunday morning. Russ took me a little early so he could get back for church across town. 

My flight ended up being delayed a bit which tightened my connection in Chicago. Still when our wheels touched down at O’Hare at 11:30, I had a good hour to get from the far side of Terminal 1 to the far side of Terminal 3. No problem.

Until we sat on the tarmac for over 45 minutes before making the LLLLOOOONNNNNGGGGG taxiing trip to the gate that finally was made available for us. 

I had to wait for my bag, which was the last one out and then run…yes…run to my gate where I was told they may or may not hold my plane. I had less than 10 minutes before boarding ended and the estimated walk time was 18 minutes. 

I ran until my heart would pound so dangerously hard that I had to slow to a fast walk. I was gasping for breath as I passed people on the escalator and ran along side the crowded moving sidewalk fighting back panic and tears. 

I made it after the door should have closed but they did hold the gate for me to arrive. I was sweating, heaving for breath and still fighting back tears as I made my way through a full plane of grumpy people with headphones on. 

It has taken days for my heart and chest not to hurt and so I would say my rebooting is that I need to take a better look at my cardio fitness and stop putting that off. If I ever have to run to catch a plane or get a water bottle across the field or save my life…now is the time to begin to get back in shape. 

Refreshed –

Spending time with my friend Shelly and her family refreshed me as they welcomed me like family. We laughed and cried and solved the problems of the world, and it was good for my spirits to be with them. 

Reinforced –

At one point there was a panel and the question arose “Does anyone still blog?” There was a ripple of laughter, but I am old and beyond caring so I did raise my hand and as we mingled and listened to other speakers, I ascertained that there are still bloggers and even if they aren’t…I don’t plan to stop. I need a place to put my words and this is it. 

Reminded –

On the trip home, as I waited in line to board the last flight, there was a young mom with a baby strapped to her front. She was carrying a car seat in a backpack and trying to maneuver a large bag containing a stroller plus push her carryon items. 

I asked if I could help. She was tired and looked like it had been a very long day. She said she was used to it. I said well, I wish I had seen her sooner and she wasn’t going to do it alone for the last part. 

I helped push the big stroller bag down the ramp way and talked to her while she set her other things aside. I said I would look for her on the other end and do what I could. 

I found her after we de-planed and checked on her. She was gathering things and said she was good. I asked if I could help her get to her car, but she was getting the baby in the stroller at this point and said she could make it now. 

She thanked me so sincerely for checking back and I told her she is amazing and doing a fabulous job. She smiled so sweetly and thanked me again. 

As I headed to the car Russ had left for me, I wondered if the whole point of the trip was to just be there for a weary single mom who has to do everything by herself to encourage her that she is awesome. To make sure she knew she was doing it well. To smile and talk to her son and tell him he is lucky to have such a great mom. 

And thus, I was reminded why I do this. 

I do it for the one that needs it that day. 

Blessings friend, you are dearly loved <3