~yarnalong: I've decided to be adventurous and try new things this year, and have even been encouraging my children- we'll just try it, 10 minutes, tops, and if we don't like it, we'll try again tomorrow, and if it still isn't for us, at least we tried (I just spent the last 20 minute trying to calm down a second grader and explaining how she needed to at least try the reading assignment.....only to discover that it was ME who needed to adjust and make the reading lesson work for her where she is now......) Part of that trying new things is that we are actually reading the Biographies scheduled in our curriculum this year (I know, I know! But, I've also incorporated more picture books and living books than called for, and skip over some of the more "textbook-y" stuff, so, there's that!). My 9 year old is really enjoying learning about real people and their life stories. I can see him imagining and dreaming what it was like to climb that mountain in Guatemala like Cameron Townsend, and he's starting to ask questions and get into the story, especially since it's about a real life person. I'm not sure if that success is what made me pull this book of my own shelf, or it could possibly be because we've been starting our day off with some Rich Mullins, but, I really felt drawn towards this book for a few weeks now and I'm so glad that I finally listened to that little voice and started to read this one: Rich Mullins: His Life and Legacy, an Arrow Pointing to Heaven. I don't even remember getting this book but I'm so thankful that I had it around for "such a time as this." It isn't even that there is anything wrong, or bad going on in life right now, things are actually pretty steady, and good, but there's just been this general feeling of something is missing, something isn't fitting quite right, maybe even just a twinge of, this is not where I am supposed to be, and the quiet moments I've had to sit with this book have really spoken into that place. Reading this book has been like having coffee with a friend I haven't seen in years, but whom I can start chatting with right where we left off. The words meet me right where I am, no judgement, no condition, and they gently nudge me into a better understanding, and I find myself nodding and thinking, hmmmm, I've never thought of it that way, but. I am so glad that I do now! Rich Mullins music shapes so much of my growing up, from songs that I remember from Sunday school, to pieces that shaped the choreography and dances that still bring tears to my eyes, and fill me with such joy. There has just been something special about learning the backstory, seeing the history and taking time to remember and reflect how that has shaped my life and continues to shape my life. It's life a breath of peace and calm, an anchor in the raging storm, a steady reassurance and boldness as of yet unfounded. (And I'm only on chapter 4! I think this is one of those treasures that I am going to slowly savor. These words are so deep and so meaningful, and at the same time, they are encouragement, never a judgement. I'm thankful that I've saved this treasure and that I am in a place where I value it and have the opportunity to linger with it, slowly allowing the words to have the profound impact on my life that they do.
I'm also slowly savoring and working through this piece. It hasn't grown much, mainly because I ripped out an entire section because I was just not happy with how the stitch pattern worked up. It was too loose and open to me. and it did not convey the emotion that I had connected to the piece. I ripped back. tried something else and I am very pleased with how it is looking now. I am enjoying that there is no deadline for this, that I'm making something for the sheer joy of making it, I did not make it, no it is making me, it's what makes me what I am. This piece is moving me in new directions and teaching me oh so very much, stitch by stitch, step by step. I'm so thankful for the space to soak in all these creative lessons and for the opportunity to be filled with joy. This yarn, The Yarn at Home Mom Shimmer Sock is just lovely. I love that sparkle! I can't wait to see how this looks all knit up, but I am truly enjoy the process and the chance to slowly watch it unravel. Because so much else of my work is truly hustle and bustle, I'm absolutely appreciating the change. It's a wonderful reminder that sometimes, we just need to savor, to find contentment, to give space for change, allow the weeping to endure for the night, because, JOY comes in the morning!
What are you reading and knitting this week? Are you finding any unexpected lessons in your week? Have you uncovered any forgotten treasures or come across long lost friends?
~Jessica