It's the word I've struggled to find to label this --
chaos of emotions and thoughts
pent-up energy
bursts of inspiration and motivation
determination
craving for a solid routine
adventure anticipation
-- stuff sticking inside me.
Being restless isn't necessary a bad thing. It gives way to discovering new things to try or rediscovering long-lost interests. It gives way to ideas, creativity, and ambition. It gives way to productivity.
But you know, being restless can be pretty darn uncomfortable. I always have a lull before I launch myself into something when I'm restless, and that lull is when I feel lost. I don't handle that feeling well -- it makes me cranky.
I've been throwing myself whole-heartedly into words and music to push away the restlessness.
I know this time lately has been a gift -- a chance to slow down, digest, recharge.
The busy season will come again when time for excessive words and music-making and listening is a limited luxury, but will you take a breath here with me and jump in to soothe your soul?
Let these words in Ann Voskamp's post "something to hold on to when you're tired & the world's broke your heart a bit" sink into your heart and mind. Carry them with you as you go out to love on others.
Sometimes I still feel like a stranger in this town we've called home for two years, and yet I still have a hard time leaving it when we travel and feel a swell of joy and peace when we return to it. It's good to know that I'm not the only one that sometimes feels like a stranger somewhere. I bet you feel like that sometimes, too. Ann Voskamp wrote another post here that speaks to that stranger feeling. (I really love her beautiful writing, can you tell?!)
These songs are completely opposite styles, but they both bring a peace and joy to my soul that makes me want to sing and praise God and helps me push through the yuck. I promise I won't judge you if you sing or dance to rock out along with them.
Now go out and face the world, friends, and pass on the love and joy.
