Taking the Time to Look, Listen, and Learn

Friday, July 30, 2010

What a Difference the Weather Makes

Last summer I was in a bad mood. I was hot, sweaty, and exhausted most of the time. The record heat and draught did not help my pregnant body, and by the way, how do you entertain a 2 and 4-year-old with little-to-no outdoor time in summer? We went from pool to pool and from airconditioned playroom to airconditioned playroom.

This summer has been a different story. This morning, we met friends at the park and couldn't get over how pleasant it was--not only to be with friends, but to be outside at the end of July in South Texas! It didn't hit 90 until after lunch. I felt like it was April or October. Lovely.

We've also had some fabulous rainstorms--power outage, cracking thunder, real rainstorms. I love the coziness. My kids and I have "rainy day reading" which is much more about cozy pillows and popcorn than about reading (but I'm hoping as they get older, they'll focus more on the reading part).

Perhaps I'm also enjoying this summer more because I'm not pregnant. Perhaps it's because I've been in this town three years instead of two--more settled. Perhaps it's because I made a point of being slightly more proactive before summer started as to how we'd get through the long days and lack of structure.

And perhaps I'm just in a good mood today as I write this. I see blue skies out the window, sun through the leaves. And I remember the hint of a breeze from the park this morning--in late July. That's enough to make anyone smile.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Small Sacrifice

One part of Sunday's church sermon talked about the meaning of fasting, giving something up (food, for example) for a time in order to focus on God. Whenever you desire the thing you have sacrificed, you would have the opportunity to pray, read scripture, lean on the Lord for strength.

I have been thinking lately about how I know nothing about sacrifice. If I want something, for the most part, I get it. If I want to eat, I do. If I want to get my nails done, I do.

I am not talking about the big things--wanting a new house or a trip to Europe. I'm talking about little daily sacrifices, a chance to trust God in the little things, not just the big things. Could I do a week's fast from snacking? From soft drinks? From shopping (or online browsing)?

What is it about our culture that is counter-sacrifice? How can we support each other in delayed gratification and teach that to our children?

Friday, July 16, 2010

Needing Space

When my daughter was barely talking, she would yell, "I need pace!" She needed space from her older brother who was crowding her, poking her, pushing her, leaning on her.

In the kitchen just now--trying to get dinner under control while two little kids, a humongous dog, and a husband were weaving in and around me--I said, "I need space!"

Sweet husband grilled the meat. I put the green beans in the oven and boiled water for the corn. Tired children are watching The Berenstain Bears. Shhhh.... don't tell anyone what I'm doing. I have a little space.

I'm wondering why I don't create little spaces more often. I'm wondering why when I have a tiny bit of quiet, I don't use it more productively.