CHARGING THE BATTERIES

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 218

"Honey, we’re low on bacon. Can you stop at Schmidt’s and get us some?"

Eight hours later, after an afternoon of running errands, she pulled back into the garage—the Sorento loaded down with cases of water and so much more. As we unpacked the car, I inquired if she’d gotten the bacon. (That was of highest importance, don’t ya know.)

"Of course," she replied, "seven packages."

Ah, there it is, I thought to myself. "Umm… did ya get any of that good breakfast sausage, or brats?" I guess I just presumed, or more like ass-u-med she would. Hehehe!

"Nope!" she quipped back. "You didn’t ask for any." Well, I hadn’t.

Whelp, this morning, I thought perhaps I’d remedy my error. Besides, I said to myself, Mondays are often slower… it won’t hurt to take a half day of PTO. Furthermore, I mused some more, seven pounds of bacon just isn’t enough, and then there were the brats. And, and… the game was on tonight, and I need something for supper to eat with ease so we don’t miss one minute of it.

What better meal than brats, chips, and beans in front of the TV to watch the USA take on Belgium? Right?

Well, anywho, needing a mental break—having not had a true vacation since last July—I took some last-minute time off. After meeting with Max, I drove home, informed the wifey I was headed to Schmidt’s, grabbed a freezer bag, and away I went.

Along the way, I stopped at Ronald’s house for a drive-thru lunch. And thank the heavens—have you heard, for a limited time, McD’s brought back the fried apple pie? Oh my goodness, y’all. The heavens just opened up and choirs of angels are singing.

If you’re old enough, you might remember that fried goodness. Oh my, it was so delish. (I don’t care if it ain't healthy; it was totally tasty.)

Just as I finished my lunch, I arrived at the mecca of meat and loaded down with brats, breakfast sausage, more bacon of course, and a few other ground goodies. Time to head home.

And it was along my drive, just as I turned south onto CR 8, that an overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed over me. As I stared at the beautiful countryside, I just blurted out some praise without even thinking: "Thank you, God, for calling me to this place!”

While I’ve always been grateful for every unique call God has given, this one seems more special. Perhaps it’s because Minnesota was always home, even when we were away. Perhaps it’s the people. Perhaps it’s my age and maturity, or a combination of it all. Regardless, that washing-over feeling of gratitude—it just filled the car like a glory cloud or something.

I think it’s fair to say that feeling might not have occurred had I stayed at home today and worked my normal Monday routine (of worship planning). That glorious gift of gratitude came because I needed a mental break and some downtime.

Now, admittedly, I’m tired and in need of a vacation, even if just for a week. I’ve learned that getting too tired leads to burnout, and that’s not good for anyone. And taking some time off would go a long way toward charging the batteries. And while we don’t have a vacation planned, I keep dreaming of taking a week to drive up north just to take in the sights and refresh my heart.

That all said, the glorious feeling of gratitude washing over my heart today—it was the gift I needed to charge my batteries, even if just a few extra percent. "Thank you, Lord, for every good gift you give—that daily bread that takes on so many different forms."