He even plays the bagpipes...

it was a much needed soothing time for the soul. attention given to much too often neglected places. sincere interest. isnt that what we all need and crave.

in reality it was a birthday gift certificate that i finally cashed in from my brother. i got to spend some time relaxing in the spa and then got a full body massage and then relaxed some more of course. i left with crinkles on my face from it being smooshed down in the circle (you know, the hole in the table you put your face in??) yeah, my back was much less knotted up when i left, and my legs were all wobbly feeling, but the goodness it did on the inside is uncomparable. i didnt realize the lack of silence i have in my world these days. just laying on that table for so long with nothing but my thoughts was really refreshing.

and as much as i could have walked away thinking, wow, that was just plain good, i cant help but think of all the preparation that went into it. most of you probably dont know, but i have a sincere appreciation for the bagpipes. i really wanted to walk down the aisle at my wedding to them, but that didnt work out. they give me chills. there's something about them that is romantic and majestic at the same time. i've yet to figure it out. but i know i love them and they speak to my soul. my sweet jesus used the bagpipes to reach me in highschool through a silly song on the end of a CD i had from the 80s. its silly. most of my friends laughed at me then, but i'm ok with that. jared still is not a fan of that CD. but somewhere along the way, i forgot about them. but as i got out of my car at the spa, i immediately heard the bagpipes and i knew there was much in store for me. this spa has a man that plays the bagpipes every afternoon just to set the mood. how great is that??? perfect in my case. i stood at the foot of the stairs all by myself with my eyes closed, just smiling. a personal concert!!! that sound meant i was being pursued. i love being pursued. between the sweet soothing of the bagpipes and the silent thinking time, my soul was renewed.

i've been feeling like i needed more jesus lately, i've been trying to make him appear in a quick five minutes of reading, or a few minute prayer, but i was taught once again yesterday that i dont have to manipulate him into my crazy schedule and i dont have to look for words to have meaning on a page or in a sermon. it's not the knowledge of him i'm missing....it's him. him in silence, speaking volumes to my heart. thats all i needed. simple, right? if only i could remember more often...

but when i do think that i need to figure out a way to get to jesus, all i have to do is remember that he is pursueing me, even to the point of playing an individual concert on the bagpipes for me...

i am the beloved's...