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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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June 22, 2013

At a Snail’s Pace

It seems that all summer long my life revolves around one word.

Watering.

For the most part, I actually really enjoy having this job. There is just something so therapeutic about watching the watering can slowly fill up.

I haul it all around the yard and convince myself that this must count as exercise. Unless I have a little person offering to help mommy with this task, I’m usually by myself. And, standing over the plants, offering them much needed hydration, I relish the quiet. I do some of my best thinking and praying while I’m watering.

But, on one particular morning, I was in a hurry to just get it done.

It was getting to that point in the late summer when the watering starts to get tedious.

I hurried out the back door, scooped up the watering can and headed for the faucet.

As I crossed the lawn, I noticed a snail working its way across the grass.

Snail3

Now normally, around our house, snails and slugs are only seen as enemies which must be destroyed lest they destroy our garden.

But, I was feeling benevolent that morning so I left it alone.

And besides, it was heading away from the garden, not towards it!

As I went about my watering routine, I kept checking back to see how the snail was progressing on its trek across our yard.

Every time I glanced over I was surprised by how much farther along it was.

I mean, it was a snail after all. They’re not known for their speed!

If I stood and watched it, it seemed to be moving so slowly.

But, if I went away and came back, the snail seemed to have covered quite an impressive distance, considering it was a snail.

Snail1

I wondered if it was being intentional about its goal of reaching the bark just beyond the grass. Could it “see” the final destination or did it just know that it needed to keep moving forward.

And, in that moment, I saw myself in that snail. Now, that is something I never thought I would relate to! But, there it was, inching its way along.

That snail reminded me of where I am currently on my faith journey.

You see, there are things in life that propel us forward very quickly.

Loss, trauma, tragedy, grief.

When these things occur, we are forced to jump ahead.

Snail2

We rapidly come to new understandings about God and His plan for our lives.

I’ve had these kinds of occurrences in my own life.

Things which have caused my faith to grow by leaps and bounds.

They may have been painful, but they certainly contributed to a deeper connection with my Savior.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers (and sisters!), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking any wisdom.”

James 1:2-4

But, most of the time, I feel like that snail.

Snail4

Inching my way along.

In this season of my life, I’ve traded leaps and bounds for something slower…more steady.

Between the peaks and valleys of life there are often plateaus.

Times when we aren’t experiencing extreme highs or low.

When we are just dealing with the day in and day out stuff of life.

It doesn’t mean that there isn’t movement, though.

Just like that snail, I continue towards my destination…to be more like Christ.
It seems like I’m moving so slowly and yet if I look back I can see just how far I’ve come.

On this nondescript summer day I found myself rooting for a snail.

As it got closer and closer to the edge of the lawn, I willed it to keep going, keep trying, keep pressing on. I so admired it’s dogged determination.

When it finally made it to the edge of the grass and onto the bark I wanted to let out a cheer!

You did it little snail!

Snail5

But then, it just kept on going.

Maybe the bark wasn’t the final destination after all.

Maybe the snail knew that the real goal wasn’t so visible….so easily attained.

And so, like that snail, I continue on towards my goal.

There will be more peaks and valleys along the way.

But there will be even more plateaus.

And in those times when it seems like I am only just inching along, I will remember the snail.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

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10 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals, Gardening Tagged With: devotions, Faith

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Comments

  1. Bonnie Powell says

    June 22, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    I really liked this story and it is so “spot on” for most of us. We do have things that push us along, but most of us live our lives as you said. Thanks for noticing that snail!!!

    Reply
  2. Jackie Adams says

    June 23, 2013 at 4:49 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    Great storytelling! I’ve been through those traumas and tragedies and rejoiced in the closeness I felt with God. Then, when I reached the plateau I was so relieved. Until I’d been there for a while and wondered where that closeness went. Realizing both seasons have their challenges. During the first, walking with God is effortless, it just happens. During the quiet times it’s hard work. I’ll try to remember the snail. Thanks for sharing : )

    Reply
  3. Janet Murray says

    June 23, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    What a beautiful blog. Really makes you think. Today everything is in fast mode. We really do need to slow down and listen to God talking to us. In nature the animals live every day for God and do what he intended for them to do. Unlike us humans who do what we want to do. We need to be more like nature. God bless you

    Reply
  4. Jill Flory says

    June 23, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Well said Vanessa! I lose sight of the goal so often and I need to just keep moving forward even when I can’t see what’s ahead and know that the goal is there and is attainable no matter how slowly I feel I’m moving. thanks so much for sharing Vanessa!

    Reply
  5. debbiedoos says

    June 23, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    Isn’t something how something such a snail can consume us in our thoughts. It is so true, and I sometimes feel like a snail myself. Very well said Vanessa, and the snail is pretty cute.

    Reply
  6. Anita @ Cedar HIll says

    June 23, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    Vanessa, lovely story!! How many years have I been the snail, and now my life is moving fast like a train. It is amazing how there are seasons in your life, and how different each season is. Having said all that I have to admit I am having a blast these days and I hope that you are enjoying this snail season of your life. Enjoy it; I doubt it will last long.

    Reply
  7. MDR says

    June 23, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    Beautifully said, Vanessa! Love you, Mom

    Reply
  8. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 24, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Ilove this analogy, Vanessa! The important thing is to keep on working at it and every day brings new mercies that help us along… thanks for sharing!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  9. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 24, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Vanessa, my Sunday Scripture is all about being holy and sanctification… just what you are talking about!

    I’m certainly a snail… slow and steady. I think most of us are snails… a whole army of holy snails moving slowly to our heavenly home!!! Let’s walk along together!!! I sure hope I get to meet you this side of heaven!!!!

    Reply
  10. Ellen says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Wonderfully put & love the readings. Very appropriate & personally timely.

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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