Last night, after Philip got home, I decided to go out by myself to one of my happy places. I mean that literally, not figuratively. My top two happy places are a bookstore, and Starbucks, so the fact that I was headed to Barnes and Noble made it a very special night and me a very happy girl. On the way out of the door, Philip said, “Andi, you don’t need to buy any books, you’ve got tons you haven’t read yet.” This was of course a token expression, since the minute I walked back in the door, he asked casually, “What did you buy?”, with no surprise whatsoever when I answered, “Only two books.”
That was only one part of the night that made it fantastic. The other one caught me by complete surprise.
I saw Christmas lights! On November 2! This made me so excited that I broke a rule I never break (I always break it). I listened to Christmas music before my birthday. Long ago, my parents set November 14, my birthday, as the first day that any Christmas decorations could come out and any Christmas music played. This was wise of them, and I’ve tried to stick to it (not really). In my defense, I listened to Andrew Peterson’s album, Behold the Lamb of God. It’s not just Christmas music, but rather a story woven through the music of the plan of redemption and salvation. It’s so beautiful and magical to me. So that’s the only Christmas album I’m going to allow myself to listen to until my birthday. (Who am I kidding, we all know Bebo Norman’s Christmas album will be heard within the next 24 hours.)
Also, on a completely different and random thought, I’ve decided to keep a notebook with me at all times to write down things that Philip says. He’s not just awesome as a preacher and teacher at church, he’s awesome at all times. He’s constantly amazing me with his insight, and my memory, let’s face it, is dreadful. Sometimes I wonder why he bothers to even talk to me, since he is on a completely different level of intelligence. For proof of this, read his blog and compare it to mine. I’m certain you will find no mention of mice, Starbucks, or magical happy places in his.
You are delightful! You talk about the things that are real to you, your life, struggles and spiritual insights. Don’t demean that. I mean, it’s all well and good to be intellectual, but when you can pull a spiritual lesson from playtime, or a trip to the coffee shop, or your “pet” mouse, that is beautiful. The ability to weave God into the everyday things of life is a gift. I’m pleased to call you friend and I love reading this crazy-honest blog 🙂
Katie, you just made my day. Thank you so much! Now come to Colorado. (You think if I mention that in every communication with you, it will brainwash you into doing it? We’ll see, won’t we? :))
LOL I’m totally working on it 🙂 Mike doesn’t want to drive the mountains in winter…so it will be next year at the earliest!