7 things I'm learning about myself (or: thirsty souls)

1. While I love slow processes, I also love some instant-gratification (case in point: rice krispie bars, knitted dishcloths, and Chipotle)
2. I don't have to be productive 100% of the time that I'm awake. This is generally a struggle for me and you can read more about it here if you want to. But this weekend, we did a lot of intentional—or unintentional?—resting and for once, it didn't stress me out. I'm learning that a few hours of cuddling + knitting + Alias can be good for the soul. Note to (my forgetful) self: there are items on the to-do list that can wait. Really.
3. Likewise, getting out and moving my body is therapeutic, especially on days when I need a pick-me-up. Excuses like I just washed my hair, or I work tonight, or I'm hungry can be set aside long enough for me to get some exercise and refreshment.
4. We're blessed with really good community here in Austin. However, my selfishness and tendency to overbook can impede community. Community is essential. Therefore, curbing my selfishness and tendency to overbook is essential.
5. New (work) shoes change everything. It shouldn't surprise me that what you're standing on affects all of you. From the ground up. Poor shoes lead to poor footing, instability, and pain. If you're going to get to work, think about your footing first.
6. I love when literal, common-sense lessons in my life can be translated to much bigger truths.
7. We can learn so much about ourselves through the lens of Scripture. Psalm 63:1-4:

O God you are God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you; as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary. beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

I've read these verses dozens of times, but I've never read them in an identify-defining way:

We are thirsty souls.

We are all yearning and thirsting for something: a true sense of identity, direction, recognition, success, security, love, safety. But we are not stranded without refreshment. Jesus Himself answers any questions we have about who we are, or what to do:

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

The thirsting isn't bad; it's a tangible, physical-spiritual response to wanting more from this life and it's expected this side of heaven. But I want to live like a thirsty soul who knows where to find refreshment. And when I'm looking to learn about myself, I want to go to Scripture first—to the Person who made me, who has all the details of my heart memorized by heart.