What’s been part of my life this week?

• Returned from an international trip, which stretched me professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. It was helpful to step away from my small town and be reminded that people around the world are concerned with the same things – friendship, acceptance, health, caring for family, loving children and grandchildren, celebrating the good, mourning the sad, and searching for ultimate fulfillment.

• Had my hair cut. 

• Spent time investing in friends, both in groups and one-on-one. Met with a few girls for our weekly Bible study. It’s rewarding to be encouraged and challenged by women who are seeking Jesus too.

• Had a pedicure. 

• Played trivia with friends on Wednesday per usual and was able to chat with them between questions. Being away allowed me to make relationships quickly with my teammates due to time constraints; it’s helped me realize how my interactions with friends are often shallow and encouraged me to ask the hard questions to truly invest in others.  

• Cleaned the apartment. 

• Met with a friend at a coffee shop to share life and provide support and encouragement for difficult “growing pain” times in life.

• Went to an orthodontic appointment. 

• Heard a new song on the radio, which is my new favorite. Here’s the link if you wanna take a listen.

• Enjoyed a massage at Spa Bianca. 

• Listened to this podcast by Sadie Robertson, which was worth the time.

• Shopped for groceries and prepped meals for the week. 

• Mulled around in my head what I want my role as an aunt to look like. Now that my first niece has arrived and I am receiving pictures and reports from my family, it’s caused me to consider more carefully what I desire for our aunt-niece relationship to be both now and in the future.

• Did laundry. 

• Conversed with others about what doing singleness well looks like, how to fight for a healthy attitude regarding an ex’s wedding, and the challenges and joys of a friend’s current dating relationship.

• Worked 22 hours in 2 days. 

• Attended a friend’s graduation party.

So that’s my last 5 days in a nut shell. Here’s to continued growth on this journey called life.