vacation-

So, for the past two weeks Allie and I have been on "vacation" in Michigan. We spent some time visiting my parents and brother Andrew in Saline/Manchester/Ann Arbor area. We had a great time relaxing and catching up on family details and our deep conversations. From there we trekked West for the nuptials of our great friends Seth and Molly Weener! It was a great time seeing friends and celebrating with an awesome couple.

We got a chance to have a Farewell to Mark's Thyroid party - speaking of that... He recently began recovering from kicking cancer's a$$ yesterday in the hospital. (well done buddy).

Now, we reside outside the peaceful hamlet of Lawton, MI with Allie's great parents.

I have had a lot of time to think lately of what a "vacation" is meant to be. Webster designates it as " respite or a time of respite from something" and/or ": a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation."

So, I ask myself, "am I really on vacation?"

Respite is good. I have been getting more sleep and doing more sitting around than usual. But, my spirit does not feel at rest. We are spending time away from out home in Denver, but it is also at "home;" in the places where we grew up and with good, longtime friends. So, that definition may not apply to us.

Let's look at "a period spend away from business." Well, I have been away from 'business' since July 1, when I finished at Hope Church. I must say that dealing with being unemployed (by choice) is more difficult than I had anticipated. I truly sympathize with anyone who has found themselves in this place with no secure end in sight. Sometimes I sing a song in the shower for some encouragement: (just hear the music, think old Bud Light jingle)

Real jobless heroes-
Here's to you - O' 13% of Americans!
To you who find yourself with little to do...
and dwindling reserves of motivation...
I salute you - real jobless heroes!

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. But, I think that I believed that having a short respite from employment would give me pause to think, reflect, and check a few things off long-ignored 'to-do' lists. Eh' maybe I'll get to that point but, I feel that might be a long time coming. Or, might have to happen once we get settled into a new rhythm that includes a job for this cat.

I am realizing that life is often best lived in the midst of... well... life.

Just a few thoughts on a stormy afternoon in W. Michigan.