Free to Wander

Adventure must start with running away from home. - William Bolitho

Last week, I was embracing the warmth of a grandmother's home filled with treasures of love. Today, my heart is drawn to explore new vistas with a longing for adventure and play. 

I don't think that's too unusual or surprising. For when we are most settled within, we are most free to wander. The two weave together as beautifully as the melody and harmony synchronize in a piece of music. 

We need the peace of belonging. The rest of a home. In the same, we need the joy of traveling. The energy of finding new places. If we only have rest, it can slip into slumber. If we only have travels, it can slip into running.

Living in sync is realizing the natural rhythms of resting and adventuring. One without the other leaves us lacking the fullness of life. Where is your inclination? What is your heart most longing for today? 

May you find the riches of both as you live your best life.  







 

Homemade

This week I have had the privilege of meeting new friends and staying in their home. It is one of those places that instantly felt like home sweet home. From the fresh cut garden flowers throughout the house to the quilts on the bed and the clothespins with hanging photos of grandkids... the creativity and simplicity has been refreshing.

There's something special about 'homemade'. In our busy moving, highly technological age of convenience and expediency, we often don't even realize what we miss as we rush about in our lives from one thing to another. Whether we are talking refrigerator art, wood projects, or dinner; when our hands and heart interact it becomes a special gift. And as those gifts are shared with others we multiply the blessing. 

We are not all master chefs or musicians or artists. Most of us don't have the time to dedicate to massive projects. How can we tap into the gift of homemade in a way that fits our lives? 

First of all, let's remember that homemade doesn't need to be a pie, quilt or scrapbook. I think homemade comes from anything you create that is uniquely you. It could something as simple as making "special noodles" as my mother-in-law did for my husband as he was a child growing up. Nothing special about them - It was simply cooked noodles in beef broth. However, with a little bit of creativity and love, these home-cooked noodles at the table became a very special gift to her son. 

A few things to consider... 

• What do you genuinely enjoy?  
• How can you embrace simplicity? 
• How could you be creative in something you already do?

Living your best life is being the best you in this world and sharing it with others. It's releasing our own version of homemade. Here's to making our lives home sweet home.

Work and Rest

 "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." E.B. White

Our desires to work and rest oft' go hand in hand. Truly, there is no greater reward than rest after a hard day's work. Likewise, there is no greater reward as work after a good night's rest. 

May you experience the grace of both these gifts. 

Come, we go.

 

A Prayer of Recollection: Come, we go. 

As I take your hand, I feel the warmth and strength.
You smile as my feet find their place on the climb.
I notice the back pack I carry, and I wonder what it holds.
It's not heavy or burdensome at all.

          It's to carry what I've given you.
         For the people you will meet along the way.
         For the weary and forlorn, for the distracted and disowned. 
         Freely you have received, freely give. 

I nod my head. Yes, I understand. 
May all you have invested in me be shared with those I am around.
May I skillfully and generously give away what has been so freely given to me. 

          You don't go alone.
         I'm here to guide and provide. 
         Take your gifts, they are for giving.
         Bring comfort, peace, and joy. 

Yes. And most of all, I give you. 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
May you live through me in every interaction. 
Amen.