In which Ashli has the house to herself, Part 4: Final thoughts for the final hours

Just yesterday I remembered an item on my wish list from earlier in the spring, a wish that developed out of a rather topsy-turvey school year (during which I went somewhat crazy). I almost desperately wanted to get away on a sort of retreat, to somewhere like a monestary, for a time of prayer and a break from the complete bedlam that had been my life for several months. With the end of school I felt some stress-relief, however, and funds not permitting, I quite contentedly decided that this summer wouldn't be the time for that kind of thing. The summer has been peaceful enough, and I don't feel nearly as hectic (although their are some crazy quirks left over from the school year snappage). What I realized yesterday, after being largely solitary for nearly two weeks, was that I have had my retreat after all. Not in the way I expected--I didn't leave home or withdraw from other people--but the aspect of solitude has been present. And how timely, too, as I get ready to move back to Eugene for another year of school. Timely...and not my time or planning, but God's. Glory to Him, for an entire three months of peace and rest and for satisfying my needs and desires but not always in the way I expect--reminding me how good He is and that it is good to cling to Him. Now, may I be grateful.

And now is probably the time to put my sister's clothes back in her room.