Sunday 29 November 2009

Stopping, stopped

Lovely ladies breakfast here yesterday. up to a dozen of us - different women every time, although there are a one or two constant regulars - who gather round my big table to chat.
It's a breather for those of us who work full-time Monday to Friday. And I know that EVERYONE is busy... but homemakers have other opportunities.
This is just for us.

I started hosting these monthly get-togethers about a year ago. I put together a rough schedule of ideas, so dragged it out a week or so ago.
Reluctantly, I have to admit. I have been SO busy.

'Normal' school is hectic enough. Then there are reports..(only nine thousand words this time) and a professional development course I am in the middle of. Not even to think about Christmas...(which is all I AM doing - thinking about it. Guiltily.)
Anyway, guess what the next topic was?

REST!!
Ha ha.

So I scurried around doing a weekly clean up in an hour. This poor house rarely gets more than a spit and a polish: a Swedish proverb says 'better a little dirt in the corners than a clean Hell' and I take that maxim to heart.
I scurried round setting the table, baking rolls, preparing a fruit platter...
I scurried.
Rest?
I don't think so.

And you know what? It WAS. I feel as refreshed as if I'd had a weekend away - and it's still Sunday morning!

Wow!

PS: What I shared is over at Words From God for Today. Interestingly, the day I was putting the finishing touches, praying that it was what God wanted from me, a friend sent me this by email:

The Lord is My Pace Setter: an adaptation of the 23rd Psalm

"The Lord is my pace setter...I shall not rush
He makes me stop for quiet intervals
He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity
He leads me in the way of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret,for his presence is here
His timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility
My cup of joyous energy overflows
Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord and dwell in his house for ever."

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Light

I've just posted over at Words from God. Some badly written ramblings.
I just wanted to say a thank you here.
This morning, I took the dog out just after 6 for the first time in a while. (Osteo arthritis in the knee has made walking difficult - I'm out to regain fitness now.) Walking along our lane in the dark, listening to the surf breaking on the rocks, I was filled with thankfulness for where I live.
And determined to enjoy it NOW.
The moment is all I have. Until the next one.

Sunday 15 November 2009

Time

SOMEONE has stolen my most valuable possession from me.
Well, perhaps not the MOST valuable - thought I'm not sure. I feel a philosophical mood STEALING over me so I will resist the thief with all my might. Thieves have already stolen too much of my TIME this week.

And the worst of it is - I can't remember where I stored it or what I did with it.

One or two events stick in my memory.

I spent a happy day with my brother, his wife and two delightful tiny boys, and took my mother out for afternoon tea. I do remember all of that plesant catching up.

I came home early from school one day, with a 'putrid sore throat' as Jane Austen would have put it. An afternoon in bed gave me enough energy to return to my classroom the next morning.

I have spent much time in prayer for a friend who has just been diagnosed with a golf-ball sized tumour on one lung.

So the thieves didn't steal all of my time away, maybe - just my memory of it!

Thursday 5 November 2009

Sorrow and laughter

Sorrow this week. A child here has been diagnosed with diabetes. I can't help the tears every time I think about it.

Yet there is joy - and tremendous pride. Seeing how he copes with this so bravely: administering his own blood tests, monitoring his symptoms, injecting himself with insulin... I am humbled.

I hope our next fund-raising event will be for the national diabetes charity. I so long to find a cure. Bring on the research!

Sunday 1 November 2009

Mpira and his friend Lucy

A couple of years ago, an Australian friend used to housesit for us occasionally. She and the dog built up a rather devoted friendship...which they still keep up via facebook. Here'a a recent message...

Dear Lucy

Just a quick note to say that I miss you - nobody makes me do the washing up any more and the cuddles aren't QUITE as good as yours. However, I have managed to move my bedroom upstairs and even occasionally get ON THE BED - how cool is that?!

Not much happening on dogbook but I am still working on my fitness. I can now swim at least half a mile and have learnt how to climb over mooring ropes while swimming without drowning myself. I quite enjoy jumping off rocks as well, though I have to say I'm not particularly graceful.

How are you doing? I thought you could write already, but your profile picture shows you having lessons? Could I learn as well?

Missing you lots and lots

your devoted friend

Mpira