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Dear Friends,
Last month I led a zoom session on contemplative journaling with a group of creative mama’s. We listened to poetry using the practice of lectio divina (holy reading) and journaled our thoughts, feelings, and memories. Even though I had been reading the poems I selected days ahead of time, still, when I read Mary Oliver’s Mindful (Why I Wake Early) to the group, her words washed over me in a new way.
It is what I was born for -
to look, to listen
to lose myself
inside this soft world.
I copied these words in my journal and wondered, “Could it be that simple? Looking and listening?”
August has always been an emotional month for me. This month I celebrate both my own and my husband’s birthday, our anniversary, and the beginning of school for my children. I love birthdays but as I get older and my children seem to be transforming everyday before my eyes, I feel a sense of dread regarding aging. I know it’s a gift to be alive, and I don’t take for granted the celebration of another year. Yet, I need the reminder from Mary Oliver to really look and listen to my life. My prayers continue to be: Help me to really see, to get off of the screens and into the world. I want to grow wise in the lessons of looking and listening. I want to marvel at the sheer delight of my children, fresh produce, and time in the garden. I want to be one who looks and listens to all who come before me. I want to be, as Oliver writes, bathed in “the untrimmable light of the world.”
On a recent vacation we heard the common phrase from our kids, “Are we there yet?” Too often I’m not that different from my children and am asking my own version of are we there yet? Whether it’s with my writing or parenting or planning the next adventure, I’m always waiting for what’s next. I look ahead to the next nap or quiet time, phone call, school year, vacation, meal, or educational opportunity and wonder, “Am I there yet?” It seems that I’m always waiting for what’s next rather than living in the here and now.
While we’re driving I tell Charlotte, “No, we’re not there yet, but why don’t you tell me what you see right here.” She begins to rattle off what she sees:
Tree
Birds
A red car
The sun reflecting on the road
Isaac, Mommy, and daddy
I nod in agreement with Charlotte as she continues to tell me what’s around her. We’re not there yet, but we’re here. Now. And this moment is a gift.
Look and listen. What do you see?
With gratitude,
Kim
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“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine
are hard to beat.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder
My Favorite Things
"Each time I call a friend, I’m building a foundation of friendship. Each time I invite someone into my home, I’m creating a place of welcome for others. Each time I open my Bible, I’m deepening my relationship with God. Each time I pick up the pen to write, I’m cultivating a creative habit. Each time I offer forgiveness to myself or my children, I’m building a foundation of grace.” Read more from a new essay about how my children’s scooter riding is teaching me to trust myself. The essay appears on The World Needs More Love Letters blog.
I wrote a blog post on what being bold means to me in this season of life (hint: it has to do with early mornings and quiet time).
My latest Growing Together column at Living Lutheran reflects on what the garden is teaching me about parenting. You can also read my Faith and Family article from the magazine on lessons from the pool and Jumping into Grace.
If you’re grieving or know someone in the midst of loss, this beautiful essay, Colors of Grief, is a must-read by my friend Erin.
I never imagined that I’d be a part of a camping family, but the last few years have proven otherwise. We now have dates marked each month to get outdoors. My friend Rachel wrote a great piece: How to survive a family camping trip, and do it again.
ICYMI: Little Great Design Co. is a print shop creating wall art and faith formation tools for families. It’s not an exaggeration that I love every bit of art the creator, Nicole Payne, is sharing with the world. I asked her if she’d be willing to collaborate and she said yes. I sent her a prayer I wrote after time in the garden and I couldn’t be more pleased with how this print turned out. You can purchase a digital download at her Etsy shop, and check out her other great prints!
What I’m reading: I was on a non-fiction kick the last few weeks and would recommend Marilyn McEntyre’s Make a List: how a simple practice can change our lives and open our hearts. If you’re a list-maker for anything (shopping, to-do, pros and cons) this book is for you and a great reframe for how lists can help us deepen our own understanding and faith.
What my kids are watching: Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum on PBS Kids. Last week we visited the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and outside in their sports area stood a statue of a runner. Charlotte walked up to it and said, “It’s Wilma Rudolph!” And then proceeded to tell me she was the fastest runner and won gold medals. I guarantee she didn’t learn these facts from me, but rather Xavier Riddle. My son also started making egg drops apparently like Wilbur and Orville Wright.
Finally, a roasted summer vegetable pasta recipe for all the garden veggies! This is my go-to meal for families welcoming a new baby or for anyone who needs a home-cooked meal. We’re also inundated with all things blackberry, anyone have a favorite recipe??
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A final blessing for you:
Rest (adj.): calming sounds like the song of birds and the lapping of waves; the brilliant colors of the rainbow, a morning sun, a red tomato, sunflowers.
Rest (n): the front porch, a hammock, a good book, pen and paper, a meal shared with friends, a path in the woods, a garden, a yoga mat, a deep breath.
Rest (v): Trusting we are enough. Trusting we are loved. Savoring the gift of this life.
May we know this rest - in our minds, bodies, and spirits. May we be people who honor the call to rest in God, to pause, and to see the goodness before our eyes.
P.S. If you enjoy my newsletter, would you consider forwarding to a friend? I love the chance to connect and share with others and would love to share with anyone you think would enjoy! Thank you!
I’ll see you again on the first Wednesday in September!
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