It’s a cold and gray February Monday. There are piles of clean and dirty laundry, in the bedroom and basement. I’m on my third cup of coffee. My baby girl is waking up after far too short of a nap.

To be brutally honest, I’d like to transport myself somewhere. Maybe to a cozy little farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, a crackling fireplace, under a patchwork quilt with a box of chocolates and hot tea, reading a book. Nowhere to go, no one to cook for, no piles of laundry and no planner asking me why I’m ignoring it.

(Wow, that makes me sound rather introverted, which I’m truly not in the least.)

But I’m learning something. Slowly.

Escaping, on its own, can’t satisfy my soul weariness. Sometimes I get these wonderful moments of “me time” where I treat myself and savor the away time, but when I walk back in the door, reality hits again with brutal force. My toddler runs screaming to the door in a panic to greet me, my husband asks, “What’s for lunch?” and the baby blows out her diaper.

My fresh wind is snatched away before I can even say “hello” to my family.

This weekend I got to run errands and stop for coffee by myself. God brought this thought to my heart: “If you think this time away will satisfy you, you’re going to be disappointed. No…I’m the one who satisfies. Enjoy being alone, but with me.”

There is only one source that satisfies deeply. Only one person whose presence trumps the drudgery of everyday life.

He said to a woman who was broken and thirsty for acceptance and peace, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.” (John 4:10 MSG)

Our gracious, generous God gives us rich, life-giving gifts of inner peace, certainty, and strength. He himself is living water to refresh my thirsty heart.

So instead of curling on the recliner scrolling on my phone while the kids nap, I come spend time with God to remind myself that I can keep going. He’s with me even on the Mondays. Even from under piles of laundry, lingering Valentine party decorations and oppressive winter clouds.

I’m not alone. And I can be fully satisfied in him.

This Wednesday I’m launching a study in James here on the blog. I’d love to have you join me walking through this practical, truth-filled book about following Christ in everyday life.

Sign up with your email (above right corner) and check your inboxes Wednesday morning for our first day of study.

Blessings on your week, friends!

Here’s a song to bless your hearts today.