Something that I love about Spain is that the people are never in a rush. Being 10-15 minutes late is expected and they even walk at a slower pace. Going out to eat is so different because the waiters aren't constantly coming over to your table trying to rush you along. The Spanish will sit for up to two hours just talking and enjoying each others company. They are more concerned with relationship and connection than anything else and it's very obvious that this is their priority.

Slowing down and relaxing is something that has always been hard for me. I walk very fast, I cut conversations short to finish whatever it is I'm working on, and I will go, go, go until I'm stressed out of my mind and can go no longer. About a month before I left, I realized this about myself and started to work on just taking a deep breath and pausing in the midst of chaos. I find it difficult sometimes to just breathe when there are certain things you have to get done every day, but I'm starting to learn that resting is just as important as any other obligation I may have.

Rest has been something that the Holy Spirit has put on all of our hearts. It's faith building to see how God has perfectly orchestrated this group of people to come together and how we all came seeking similar things. Many of us are in transition and all of us have been needing rest. It's more evident every day that everything going on during this trip is 100% God and that he really does have his hand on each one of our lives in a very special way.

As I had this free day of rest and time to myself, I prayed that this would be a continued theme in my life even when I leave; That when I go back home I won't be so concerned with simply accomplishing all the tasks before me, but that as I accomplish them I will take time to breathe in deep and give God all the glory. The little things that so consume our time and energy are so unimportant compared to his great purpose and I want to live a life that is more focused on His purposes rather than my own.

I seriously laugh every time I write a new post because I feel different with every day that passes. I'm already excited with how I'm being changed and shaped, but God keeps telling me to expect even more. It's almost hard to imagine, but there is no limit to how much blessing can be poured out on our lives when we truly surrender to him. There is nothing better than the true love of Jesus Christ!