In the midst of the noise, the busy pace, the crazy schedule, the long to do list, there is a tug to stop and be still and smile.  To just breathe the fall air.  To let go of the stress.  To lower the expectations I put on myself.

My poor little nephew has been in hospital for a week now with a viral respiratory infection.  My sister and brother-in-law are being super parents, making sure that James is never alone, and also trying to make sure that Anna's little world doesn't go pear shaped as well.

Somehow, in this week, I have managed to have almost everything need to be done.  A friend is visiting from Tanzania on Wednesday.  A project is due in my current grad class on Saturday.  I agreed a month ago to do a workshop at a conference and it's this Friday.  I am going to a TESOL conference in Philly on Saturday.  Every Thursday, I co-lead a chapel for undergraduates at my university.

I am so thankful that I dropped a course from my schedule for this term.  I couldn't be doing two right now.

I've been reading a wonderful little book called "Jesus Calling" for my devotions.  Today's entry begins with these words: "Walk peacefully with Me through this day.  You are wondering how you will cope with what is expected of you.  You must traverse this day like any other: one step at a time.  Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this and that, keep your mind on my presence and on taking the next step.  The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from me."

Wonderful words.  One step at a time, one day at a time.  In the grand scheme, the most important part of all of this is my family.  I love being able to pick my niece up from "school" and play with her in the evenings.  I love putting her to bed and hearing her sleepy voice whisper, "I love you SO much, Tia."

Last night, I spent the night at my sister's house.  Her husband was at the hospital for the night, so we snuggled like little girls in her bed, with Anna settled between us to unwind for the evening.  Being there for my sister is one of the most important things on my "list."  It tops everything else.