rest for the soul

i have been away from home for the past two weeks. and it's been wonderful. i had a conference in detroit the week of the fourth of july. it was really great to catch up with some friends from other areas of the country and have some time away with coworkers that i enjoy. i went from there to northern michigan to spend time with family to celebrate 100 years with the family cottage. it was so wonderful to have several days away from my routine here. it was refreshing to be with family i havent seen in a year and i think it was exactly what i needed. i have felt a tremendous amount of stress in these last few months--between work and dealing with all of this infertility stuff, i haven't felt real rest in a long, long time. and in the time we were in michigan, i also got to spend a little time with some dear friends and their children. i realized that as much as i long to have my own child, i really do experience joy over the children that my friends and family have been blessed with. their kids are so sweet and i love being a part of their lives, even with the long distance between us. i feel that God has really given me a spirit that is able to rejoice with those who rejoice (and really mean it!). i wasn't sure i'd get there. and i don't really feel fully there, but it's a process.
sitting at my desk staring at the work that welcomed me back is a little daunting. i'd like to rewind one week and enjoy a few more days of relaxation please!