Random Observations and a Few Deep Thoughts

Time to catch up with you on what's been going on in my house.

Injuring one's back three days before Christmas sets one's priorities very straight. I'm recovering slowly, but have slowed down considerably in these post Christmas days. Fortunately I got done what I wanted to get done before Christmas, but was forced to sit often enough to really enjoy the season. It's sad, though, that a physical injury was necessary for that to happen. As I begin to feel a little better each day it certainly puts into perspective those days all year (fortunately the vast majority) when I feel perfectly fine. As I have in the past three years (and thus far not successfully so), I resolve this next year to be kinder to my body.

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Fourteen is the perfect age for a boy to get a drum set. Yes, we now possess a drum set. And a very happy 14-year-old boy. Lessons to begin after Christmas.

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Eight years old is the perfect age for a girl to receive a camera...if you want pictures of everyone's nostrils.

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Faith is a necessity at Christmas. Not that you need me to tell you that.

Some new ornaments on the tree:

 

 Also necessary for Christmas are adult sons who are still silly enough to sing and dance in Santa hats.

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I know that it's not just me that is prompted by all that Christmas brings to turn toward thoughts (and actions when possible) of organization and decluttering. I am not certain, for myself, if it is the mess that is brought by packages and family gatherings, or the money spent on Christmas that that causes me to think of a life lived with less stuff (though I must say I think we spent less on Christmas this year than any year in recent history).

Maybe it is thoughts of the Christ Child, coming into our world to two parents who it is said had  nothing but a donkey and the clothes on their backs (though the three gifts from the kings certainly helped set up shop in Egypt). After Christmas each year, I ache for simple, almost monastic surroundings. I want to get rid of all the clutter (not that which just arrived, but all of it -- every knick knack, every item which breaks the clean top of every surface). I want to live poorly. Odd, isn't it? Though we are not by any stretch rich, I feel so rich this time of year that I yearn for poverty. Contrary, aren't I?

For the next month or so I intend to attempt to live just that life -- eating simply, keeping my days as uncomplicated and quiet as possible (I'm not certain where drum lessons will fit into the latter), not spending money on any unnecessary "things," even using words sparingly -- no unnecessary chatter. All these things I feel called to do, though I have no idea why. I'm certain that God will make it apparent in time.

If you notice an absence here, just know that I am accomplishing my goal. And know that time not spent here is likely spent in prayer or quiet listening  -- there's just no way to go wrong there.

Enjoy your Christmas season and New Year celebrations,  dear friends.