Pondering
poverty of spirit. This was most wonderfully lived out by Mary, the mother of God. In her poverty, she had hands and heart so open to God that she could receive in herself the Incarnate Word. Her humility drew her close to God, as she recognized her complete dependence on Him. Mary, forever hailed as ‘blessed,’ became the Queen of the kingdom.
Growing
herbs, vegetables, and flowers! I’ve especially been enjoying our herbs this year. It’s been a dry year, but we’ve still managed to grow more basil than we know what to do with. My brother Jim and I made focaccia again, and this time flavored it with rosemary, basil, and tomatoes from the garden. I also made lemon balm and lavender cookies, and dried some mint to make tea in the Fall. In June, I scattered marigold seeds in a planter, and they came up surprisingly well! It’s been fun to experiment with our garden goodies.
Enjoying
time at the lake! Our cabin is one of my favorite places on earth, and the peace that I experience there reaches deep into my heart. Through unexpected visits to the lake during busy weeks, or weekend gatherings there with family, the Lord has been showing me how important it is to rest. I like to stay busy because I think it’s exciting to have lots to work on. However, busyness sometimes comes from a place of pride and wanting to seem like I’m doing important things. Rest has been an antidote to this. When I take a step back, I realize that my work isn’t about me. When the Lord proclaimed the peacemakers as blessed, I think He was talking about not only those who make peace between other people, but who let peace reign in themselves.
Reading
inspiring books! I started with The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp, which is her autobiography. It covers the plot of the Sound of Music, as well as their journey to America, experience starting a music camp, and founding of their Vermont farm. I have so many quotes that I love from it, but here’s just one: “In such moments, this is a most consoling thought: only one thing at a time can be the will of God. If He wants us to act in a certain way, He has to help us with the obstacles. He always does -we can count on it”. Count on it, she did! Maria’s story is incredible.
Next, I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. It was a sweet book and very humorous. I appreciated how they were able to balance the levity of curious characters with sensitivity toward the tragedy of war. Overall, it left me hopeful.
I followed that with a literary trip to 1910s Appalachia in Christy by Catherine Marshall. My sister-in-law lent it to me after reading it for book club. Christy, a 19-year-old girl from a comfortable family, decides to go serve the mountain people as a missionary teacher. I took to heart the spiritual wisdom of the middle-aged Quaker missionary, Miss Alice, who taught Christy to listen to God and respond. I found the book inspiring, especially since I’m the same age as Christy at the end of the book.
I also read The Thoughtful Home by Dia Boyle. Mrs. Boyle shares so much wisdom in this book, and I learned a lot! It’s the perfect blend of philosophical pondering and practical advice. There’s something in it for everyone who is a part of making a home.
Most recently, I read A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.. It’s science fiction meets monks, which turns out to be a wild and thought-provoking combination. I’m not a sci-fi person usually, but I thought that this was beautifully written.
I hope you have a lovely end of summer!