Tuesday

Yesterday a.m.'s cold trail.

This morning I hit the trail earlier than usual - had a visiting teaching appointment and wanted to make sure I got my walk in.

Yesterday it was 26 or so when I left the house but by the time I returned home I was a totally frozen body, didn't dress for the 18 degrees it dropped to during my walk.  I didn't really warm up until I got between the covers for bed in spite of the hot chocolate and warm breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I was cold the whole day long.

So this morning I dressed for winter - two layers of pants, two layers of tops, warmer coat, hat, earmuffs, gloves...the whole deal.  And what a difference it made.  I was warm for the whole walk and my knees didn't end up all dry and chapped and sore.  The other improvement?  The trail was virtually empty today - no headlights on caps shining in my eyes, no dogs barking at me, just blessed peace and quiet.  It was definitely a better walk morning today.

And we had a decent visiting teaching appointment. I love how this plan provides for sisters to watch out for each other, being the Lord's helping hands. I take that responsibility fairly seriously, though I know I've a long ways to go before I accomplish the task as it really should be done.

Tastes as good as it looks?

Sunday I was officially released as compassionate service leader. I admit, it was a burden of a calling for me.  I have difficulty asking anyone to do anything, it is a big stressor for me. The sister in the position now will do wonders for the compassionate service in the ward, I wish her well and will support her.  And hopefully my own personal stress will lessen and I'll feel better.  Though, historically, every time I've had this calling there's been lots of funerals.  And they seem to not happen so much when I get released. So maybe there'll be a period of calm. 

The Husband is in the middle of his time off work, the time meant to be full of rest from tech stuff, meetings, commitments and obligations.  I had to run to the grocery this morning - how fun it was to have him along!  He wanted to walk down every aisle, hoped to find some kind of munchie that is calorie/carb free and healthy while being enjoyable.  That category doesn't really exist, but then I doubt he had his hopes very high.  What we came home with is on the opposite side of the spectrum, but I plan to fully enjoy it.

And today I'm feeling some contentment.  Gratitude for the fact that The Husband is able to take some much needed rejuvenation time, and still have something productive to return to on Monday.  Grateful that we've a play to go to in a couple days, I like having something fun to anticipate. Grateful that the sun is shining, the path is clear and I can walk outside and be comfortable. I'm grateful for inspiring words from our church leaders and for good conversations between women - even if you're not close-close friends, women still need women. How aware I am of the blessings of this life.