Monday, September 5, 2011

An Ordered Life

This Labor Day marks the beginning of a new season for me and mine.  With my two littles now in 4th and 6th grade, schooled at home, I am having to change some ways.  I don't think anyone would think of me as a disorderly person.  Heck, there are some who actually have been fooled into thinking I'm quite organized!  But order, especially of the strict variety,  has never been a strong point of mine... or frankly even something I ever wanted in my life.  Still, as I look ahead to this school year, I can recognize that without daily order, what used to be carefree, unencumbered living becomes captivity to fancy and whim.  Even though I do so enjoy fancy and whim, I just as much dislike captivity.

In the vein of ministering peace unto my family (and myself!), I have scoured toilets, laundered sheets, scrubbed floors, vacuumed carpets, dusted furniture, planned meals, stocked the pantry, made lists, scheduled lessons, placed holds on books, readied binders, sharpened pencils,  marked the calendar, bathed the dog and cleaned the van.
And prayed.
Inspired by a constant conversation I read about, I purposed to also walk in thanksgiving through these preparations.  Let me tell you, what joy!  What freedom!  Scrubbing a toilet has never been so gratifying.
Yes, Tuesday we will enter into our books and studies.  We will have done what we could to make ourselves ready, and we will turn unencumbered open hearts and minds to Him who teaches us all things.
In this may we learn thankfulness.

Counting now from His infinite graces to me and mine...
#966-981

the last roses of summer
neighboring mercy

gathering to celebrate friendship

a really good day planner

making dinner out of odds and ends

a no turned yes

warm breezes
bare feet
hair clips

being a woman

thoughts of wood and yarn and music

sentence prayers


my crucifix, because
it wasn't the tree that saved me
it was the Man on the tree






holy experience
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3 comments:

  1. -t-September 9, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    oh Dear One, i finally made it here :] here i am, it's Friday (yes, I hear her singing - don't you? :)

    an extra blessing for me as i have spoken with you in the latter part of this first week of school & i know that the blessing continues to abound! all of the joy in the preparation has allowed for great joy in the daily living, in the here and in the now, praise Him! and it has left space, an orderly space in the face of the unexpected. He knows all of the details before we have a glimpse. His faithfulness, so wonderful, His faithfulness.

    ...the last roses of summer are here so soon? and to think that someone valued me so that she left them on my bed-stand to greet me at every entrance... oh how blessed i am, that your little would take such care for me.

    and, i can see your crucifix there around your neck... our Savior, oh His amazing Love... and i think of the giver of the gift, & i whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for Mom E :}

    the joy in the counting, really, who knew?! i am so glad that we now know. God bless you & keep you, Dear One.

    Love you,
    ((dare i?))
    sweet -t-

    ReplyDelete
  2. -t-September 19, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Monday, 9/19 - it's only 10:21 there. there's still time for you to post today...

    tears streaming down my cheeks as Ann's words are still whispering in my heart.

    eucharisteo.

    and i am thinking of you as i celebrate Sara. how you live fully. wholly and holy (for He has said, be holy for I am holy). how you and all of your life is so very beautiful.

    i give thanks. i count the endless gifts, His gifts.

    i am thankful for Sara. thankful for Ann. i'm so very thankful for you, Dear One.

    ReplyDelete
  3. -t-September 26, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    so thankful to have shared a little time with you today :)

    however, i miss you here.

    love you,
    -t-

    ReplyDelete

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