This has been an amazing week, really. The second hotel was just as amazing as the first, having a window seat and a chaise (both of which I've always wanted in my bedroom), and the staff worked as a fined-tuned team, smoothly anticipating guests needs. We received a birthday card for my hubby accompanied by cake and champagne to help us celebrate. We have been welcomed back each time we re-enter the hotel. And tonight an employee noticed that we brought take-out food back to the hotel and called right away to get us place settings sent to our room. It was a good choice of hotel...expensive but worth it.
We have done fun things in the city, too. We went on the Architectural Boat Tour, walked the Magnificent Mile (where I found a very cute and inexpensive bag at H&M), went to Navy Pier, tried new restaurants (McCormick and Schmicks, La Madia, South Water Kitchen), made a quick visit to Garrett's and cooled ourselves during the massive heat with Starbucks and Jamba Juice. We have learned that the downtown part of the city is not all that spread out, and we ran into two families we knew.
I will remember those experiences. But there are things that touched me even more. Glen and I cuddled in the window seat at night and watched the city life around us. Glen and I began reading a book on rebuilding ADHD marriages. I bought him his own copy and saved it for our trip, asking him if we could read it together each night. He wasn't thrilled but agreed and it has sparked some really good conversations. And Glen had some good insights. I am hopeful. Truly.
I gelled with the city. I sat in the window seat several times a day...feeling the city...enjoying its beauty. When we walked I would slow Glen down so we could meander, taking in the culture, the atmosphere...I loved being near the river; it was calming...I loved the hustle and bustle...it was like it called to me, "Come be a part of it!" I felt rejuvenated. This morning at 6:30 I was awake...I opened the curtains to the window seat and the empty sunlit streets beckoned me for a morning walk/run...I went all the way to the Shedd...I felt a kindred connection with the lake shore community of morning exercisers...I soaked in the scenery along the lake...it was so beautiful to me, I couldn't not praise God for it...I had goosebumps from the privilege of this time away, to be allowed to experience the beauty, calm, and fun of seeing the city before it awakened.
So, what now? I want to go home a different person than when I left. I want to have a better focus and more appropriate priorities. I want to keep my children in their appropriate place in my life. I want to get some coaching for my running. I want to see God in my everyday; I want to see the beauty He puts in my life. I want to be motivated to be healthy and disciplined. I want to remember the homeless and down-and-out who I rubbed elbows with these past three days. I want to grow in compassion for the lonely, lost, and hurting. I want to worship extravagantly and give with cheer. I want to function with purpose and passion.
Please, Lord, show Your will and Your ways for me...
We have done fun things in the city, too. We went on the Architectural Boat Tour, walked the Magnificent Mile (where I found a very cute and inexpensive bag at H&M), went to Navy Pier, tried new restaurants (McCormick and Schmicks, La Madia, South Water Kitchen), made a quick visit to Garrett's and cooled ourselves during the massive heat with Starbucks and Jamba Juice. We have learned that the downtown part of the city is not all that spread out, and we ran into two families we knew.
I will remember those experiences. But there are things that touched me even more. Glen and I cuddled in the window seat at night and watched the city life around us. Glen and I began reading a book on rebuilding ADHD marriages. I bought him his own copy and saved it for our trip, asking him if we could read it together each night. He wasn't thrilled but agreed and it has sparked some really good conversations. And Glen had some good insights. I am hopeful. Truly.
I gelled with the city. I sat in the window seat several times a day...feeling the city...enjoying its beauty. When we walked I would slow Glen down so we could meander, taking in the culture, the atmosphere...I loved being near the river; it was calming...I loved the hustle and bustle...it was like it called to me, "Come be a part of it!" I felt rejuvenated. This morning at 6:30 I was awake...I opened the curtains to the window seat and the empty sunlit streets beckoned me for a morning walk/run...I went all the way to the Shedd...I felt a kindred connection with the lake shore community of morning exercisers...I soaked in the scenery along the lake...it was so beautiful to me, I couldn't not praise God for it...I had goosebumps from the privilege of this time away, to be allowed to experience the beauty, calm, and fun of seeing the city before it awakened.
So, what now? I want to go home a different person than when I left. I want to have a better focus and more appropriate priorities. I want to keep my children in their appropriate place in my life. I want to get some coaching for my running. I want to see God in my everyday; I want to see the beauty He puts in my life. I want to be motivated to be healthy and disciplined. I want to remember the homeless and down-and-out who I rubbed elbows with these past three days. I want to grow in compassion for the lonely, lost, and hurting. I want to worship extravagantly and give with cheer. I want to function with purpose and passion.
Please, Lord, show Your will and Your ways for me...
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