7 Quick Takes: The Truer Picture

1/ I was about to press send on one of my favourite pictures from today's adventures, for my faithful Instagram following. I then realised that although the picture was a good one, there was something missing. It was only half the picture. It doesn't accurately reflect life for me right now. So I deleted the Instagram post and here I am quickly typing an impromptu blog post before I go to bed.

2/ I really want to be in my bed dozing off right now. Im trying to get better at going to sleep at a reasonable hour AND after a 3,5 hour hike today I think an early night is well deserved, but I don't want to miss this opportunity to share some of real life.

3/ We had a hard week. I more accurately mean 'I', but in family, we share each others burdens and my girls and Kev certainly felt mine this week. I have felt exhausted, teary and little capacity to cope with much more than the necessity's. Maybe these are the normal feelings nearing the 3 month mark of being in a new country? 

4/ This week, I allowed myself to mourn the loss of some things that wont be the same again. And it was really hard. I felt God remind me of areas in my life where I need to trust him and let go of control. And it is really hard. I watched my girls experience similar feelings of exhaustion and emotion and with the little capacity I had to give, parenting was really really really hard. 

5/ This week, there have been tears, and it has been good. There have also been real conversations, and it has been good.

6/ Our week ended with a CG meeting in our home last evening and although it could easily have been the last thing I felt like, it was life giving and I am grateful for the new community we have here in Hong Kong. Even more than that, my greatest encouragement last night came from a one of the verses in the passage we chatted through...

Psalm 116:12-14
'What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.'

7/ We spent our Saturday out in nature, enjoying a 3,5 hour hike, misty mountains, greenery, new friendships and some peace away from the bustling city life. My Instagram post would have said something along those lines too. It was a really great day and it is just what we needed! But I am also processing many other feelings in my heart and thats probably the truer picture of life right now.

The Hike was called Dinosaur Rock, can you spot why? :)