31 Days of Peace, Day 15

Visions of Sugarplums

 

As I lied awake in my bed last night as I often do, my mind drifting as it often does, I found my mind getting excited about thoughts of the upcoming Christmas season. Yes, I am getting way ahead of myself here, especially when we are in the middle of my favorite season and I should be enjoying the present. But this holiday season requires extra celebration. This year there will be nothing missing because daddy is home.

December 2010

 

There is so much joy in autumn that I don’t want to miss. But I cannot help but rejoice in the idea of finally being together again for Christmas. It is a reminder of how much we’ve been through and how far we’ve come as a family. It is proof that time will pass, even if we feel like it takes forever. It is the memory of a grieving heart but the hope that the next year would make up for what was missing. This is the next year. This is the year that will make everything from last year so worth it.   

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31 Days of Peace, Day 14

How I Find Comfort in the Trees

 

There is something about this place, this new town in which we live, that feels like home. I recognize the trees. The oaks, maples, beeches, tulips, and elms that I remember from growing up. I admire their stately grandeur and am reminded of the memories.

 

I remember my middle school science assignment when I had to collect leaves, press them, and identify each one. Most kids would have balked at the assignment, but I was excited to get outside and discover all the different trees around me. Yes, I was a dork. But I also appreciated the world around me for its simplicity, is beauty, and its desire to be noticed. I noticed.

 

Today we ventured to the park as the morning sun sent its rays through the colorful leaves. It was delightful when my kids voiced their excitement upon asking them if they wanted to learn the names of the trees around us. They collected leaves with me. They ran to every tree with smooth, light-colored bark when I showed them how to identify a beech tree. Their little minds are so open, so ready to learn. I hope they have the same excitement when they get to middle school and are given their leaf-collection assignments. I can't wait to do it with them.

 

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31 Days of Peace, Day 13

No Words

 

Sometimes no words are enough to overpower the peace which comes from simply being in the moment.

 

 

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