Regaining Focus...In a Soup Pot

So I have this friend. I've mentioned her before. I call her the most amazing prayer warrior I know. She really is, too. (And as far as I know, she has no idea this blog exists, so I'm not saying this for her benefit. ;) )

I always feel uplifted and convicted when I talk with her. Both of those are good things. She is amazingly faithful and honest. She really speaks the Truth with love and knowledge. Yet, she isn't judgemental (though I definitely know what she does and does not approve of). She's not shy about sharing the Word with people. (That's something I really struggle with.)

She called today and let me tell you, I was so annoyed that the husband kept phoning (I was ignoring the call waiting :O ) and finally he called on my cell so I got off the call with my friend to hear what I already knew....getting his car inspected has become a bit of a nightmare.

My friend, her husband and their five amazingly polite and pleasant children moved to the country on a few acres and recently they've gotten goats and chickens. This is all new to them and she was telling me about the goats' digestive issues and the chickens bullying one of the others....and oh my!

She's busy, but she's focused and she is living life following their beliefs and dreams. How cool is that?

I want to do that, live life according to our beliefs and dreams but it feels like there are so many roadblocks in the way. I'm not sure how to climb the brick walls anymore. Sometimes the car inspections or the kids' poor choices (or mine) or other random things pile up and get in the way of what really matters.

And today that's what I realized after speaking with my friend...I had lost focus. Even when we're talking about vet house calls I can feel the Truth shining through her and I realize I've gotten off track. I'm not envious of her life but I do admire her.

So you know what I did? I made some soup. :) All that chopping and stirring and simmering (and eating) are like meditation. It got me back to center, to basics, to the present. Cooking brought me back to something I can do instead of what's not working or going smoothly. It's a small thing but it's something.

So after my too brief conversation and a pot of tortilla soup, I can see clearly now.

-Peace