Abundant Living

We are coming to the end of the husband being off from work/church on Sabbatical. He has had nine glorious weeks off, which is a privilege, and we are massively grateful for the time he has been given. There was definately a bit of adjustment needed in the early days; learning to switch off when he has been so busy, learning to rest when he is naturally so active. We tried to take the advice of not having a goal to 'maximise the time off', or to make sure we 'hear from God', or even the pressure to 'enjoy it', but instead to just let it happen, to experience the rest, whilst not wasting the gift that it was. 

One of the absolute highlights was a family holiday to Scotland. This was to be our last holiday as a family unit, (before the eldest gets married) and our first time flying together as a family. Our flights, accomodation and car hire were generously paid for by someone, which again we are so grateful for. The excitement of us all getting up early, driving to Gatwick, getting the shuttle bus together, being in an airport together, and flying together was such a treat for me. I loved having us altogether doing something we've not done before. 

We decided that no one was allowed to opt out of anything, so if we went to a cafe, we all went, if we went to Lidl or Co-op, we all went, if we put a family film on, or played a board game, we all got involved. Everything was therefore hectic, and expensive, but I think I had a smile on my face the whole time. We caused havoc wherever we went just because of the sheer volume of us! In any aisle you walked down in the Co-op, was someone I was related to, and always in a raincoat! Before we came to Scotland, we spent holiday budget on anoraks and waterproof boots. Not quite cocktails and ice creams, but very much needed. 

The first 'adventure' was convincing one of the teens, who had suddenly come down quite poorly, not to be sick in the hire car. Unfortunately he then had no choice but to opt out of the first day's rainy walk, and climbing of waterfalls while he slept off a high temperature. When he was well again, he was rewarded with £2.50 to spend in the Co-op, whilst his siblings had £1.25 each. (It was meant to be £1 but they won with an inflation argument).

The scenery was breathtaking; lochs and snow-capped mountains. Each morning, I wrapped up under a blanket, opened the front door to our little cottage, and looked over Loch Fyne. It's always easier to connect with God, if nature is nearby. Of course, the same family tensions are always with you, because it's all the same people just in a different setting, being forced to be together all the time, and board games always bring out the best in people! But Scotland's greenery is spacious, so once you get past the moans and groans, and give out the snacks, the big outdoors served us well. Waterfalls were climbed, lakes were bravely jumped into, dams were built, dead sheep were prodded, tracks were walked, tunnels were crawled through, and hours were spent having fun in the rain. I will treasure the memories of this little gettaway. 

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". John 10v10