There are times when you just have to get somewhere fast — to an appointment, or to get through a long list of errands. So you zip along at the speed limit (or maybe a little faster if you like bending the rules just a little bit). And then there are times when you have no agenda, no deadline, so you cruise to your destination along the scenic route, windows down to enjoy the breeze.

That’s what life has been like recently. We’ve very purposefully slowed down in some important ways, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like Danny and I are living life the way it’s meant to be. We’ve been getting up with the sunrise and starting each day reading and praying as we look out on the lake behind our house, and we’re pouring our energy into creative projects (me) and work and home improvement projects (Danny) that make us both feel fulfilled and our talents and gifts well utilized. We’ve been much more careful about managing our work time and our personal time. Recently, we’ve been spending more time with friends again — something we used to do nonstop, but which had really fallen by the wayside as our work lives got busier. And we’ve cut the constricting cord that had us constantly tethered to our phones, our email, our social media accounts.

For the first time in a long time, I feel in tune with my life, not just as if life is happening to me.It has been an amazing spring. Here’s to a slower-paced, quiet, happy summer, too.

~ Laura