I love visiting the apple orchard in the fall. When else do you get the delight of picking the most perfect apple that catches your eye, reaching on your tip toes or rattling branches with all your might— or climbing the tree, if you’re Tyler.
We started the afternoon with brunch at the Emma Krumbee’s restaurant, just us girls. Noah later met us in the pumpkin patch where he eyed the potential pumpkin he would later be taking home. We spent a little time in the General Store admiring the baked goods. And of course, we roamed the apple orchard and picked and ate a variety of juicy, delicious apples. We parttook in a little apple-smashing game with the fallen apples from the ground. We took a ride on the tractor/hay ride, touring the field. And we got to pet goats and learn about their odd, dangly “wattles”, which are like skin tags. It was a fun afternoon at the orchard, followed by a stop at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. You can’t just pass by without going in for a minute! I found some sugar free caramels for 39 cents, and I wish I’d bought more.
In the evening, we had our Community Group (big group) gathering at the GC. I made caramel apple cheesecake bars…which was actually a bit more work than I anticipated, but I sampled a slice and decided it was well worth it. Megan, Danny, Amy and Sarah, our new leaders of the community group gatherings, led us in singing old hymns, partaking in communion, and talking about rebirth and how we experience it in our lives. Most people shared, but I didn’t. Again, I was struck with timidity. It tends to happen in bigger groups, but it also tends to happen when I don’t feel confident in what I’m saying. I was thinking about my recent baptism, but I didn’t really formulate any significant thought to go along with it. People shared stories about trials and tribulations, things that they were working to overcome, ways that Christ was working through them. But tonight, my mind was honestly elsewhere. I wasn’t fully present in worship. I was thinking about all the things I need to get done tonight and how I need to leave early. And again, I wish I’d shared something because I know the people who care about me want to know what’s going on in my life, but I couldn’t formulate a cohesive thought or something that seemed worthy of mention. But that’s precisely why I’ve decided to start journaling on Sunday nights as a reflection of what was said/done at church. So tonight God, I confess that I am just so angry at myself for wasting so much time. I think about all the things I want to learn. The things I want to DO. And I’ve been so lucky to have the amount of free time that I do, but I don’t always use it wisely. And I am the worst at consistency. I tell myself I’ll practice guitar everyday for 15 minutes. Who can’t make 15 minutes in their day? Apparently I can’t. I don’t. And the same happens with journaling, and exercising, and piano, and learning a new skill like HTML— unless I have a deadline like I do this week, external motivation. When was the last time I read a book? Or studied scripture on my own? God, I’m so tired of wasting time, because I’m wasting potential that You have given me. And when the day comes that I don’t have an abundance of free time like I do now, I’m going to wish I’d used my time more wisely. Lord, I realize I haven’t sought Your help and guidance in this area. I haven’t prayed about it like I should. I’ve really only just now come to the realization that I *want* this to change. Lord, help me channel my time the way I ought to. Turn my desires away from places I waste my time. Help me to find a good balance of relaxation and productivity. And help me to realize the joy that comes from working toward something fruitful.
Lord, thank you for a wonderful Sunday filled with nature, great food, great friends, and realization of truths now professed.
