Spring Cleaning

For a change Lent did not sneak up on me.  And probably because embracing a time of "wilderness" is right up my alley right now.  All alone.  In the wilderness.

I read recently that Lent offers us a time to refrain from something, or add something into our lives that causes our routine to change, to cause it to become a little off balanced.  And in experiencing that discomfort, that inconvenience, we are reminded that all that we fill our lives with, does not ultimately fulfill us. Lent gives us that yearly opportunity to refocus our hearts on the One whose life can fulfill us. Spiritual spring cleaning, so to speak.  Out with the soul clutter that inevitably starts to crowd our lives and in with a renewed sense of clarity about who we are and how we will live our lives.

But here's the rub.  I'm already off balanced.  Really. I am one of those blessed people who frequently loses the plot and stumbles through life in a haphazard, topsy turvy kind of way.  Even how I talk with God is bumbling.  A long time ago I finally stopped trying to make my prayers sound intelligent and "spiritual" and asked God to just make sense of the blatherings, wanderings and wonderings I do along the way.  Thankfully, He's okay with that.

Back to Lent.

So what does an already off balanced person do to become a little more off balanced to allow more focus on God?  Wandering into the wilderness sounds good to me.  Quiet.  No meals to cook.  No house to clean. No laundry to fold.  No bills to pay.

But Ken says I can't go.  So this is what I will do instead.

• I'll be careful with my time.  I will choose to say, "sorry, I've got a commitment" when I am asked to do A, B, C.   I'll forgo the good feelings I get from "doing" for others or by living up to what I think is expected of me. And instead maybe my commitment will be to lighting a candle to reflect and jot down my thoughts and allow my soul to be quieted so I can hear what God might be whispering in my ear.
• I'll take time to reflect on how those who are struggling financially in H.J. are helped.  What are the practical ways I can be involved?   Taking time to focus on the poor is like hitting a spiritual reset button for me.  From my understanding of the Bible, they are God's favourites and right away I know I'm on course if I'm making them a priority.
• I'll try to walk more than drive around town. Not only is it more kind to our planet but it causes my own internal rhythm to change.  I slow down internally when I slow down my physical pace.

Nothing big or flashy, just simple things to change it up and hopefully cause me to clean out the spiritual cobwebs.  

How about you?  How do you hit the reset button in your soul?  

Jesus,

You know I'm a terrible pack rat, holding onto things that only clutter my peace.  I look forward to doing some soul cleaning with you.  I love you.

'til next time,

Dianna

Random Thankfulness

It's time.  Time to write.  To make good on a promise to a friend. She made me promise to write in here and that was MONTHS ago.  And so I must write because she is NOT someone you want to break a promise to...

And now is a good time.  I'm thoughtful today.  Not that that is rare. But it is rare to be in front of the computer and thoughtful at the same time.

When we came  to Haines Junction I often spoke about my life in Winnipeg as having been BIG, FAT and FULL. I wasn't leaving a life I didn't love.  On the contrary it was fabulous, with amazing people.  And now here we are over two years in H.J., and this is what I'm thoughtful about and thankful for ...

• last year at this time I was 75 lbs heavier.  I was tired, sore and out of hope.  Today I have a cold so I'm miserable but I still walked to work because I wanted to and I have energy, no pain and hope.  I'm beyond grateful.
• my nephew Brody, who has been living with us since the fall, just came home from the school bison hunt.  It sounds like it was an amazing time to enjoy the land and the folks he went with.  I'm grateful for this 16 year old boy who after they shot the bison, hugged it to thank it for giving it's life for us.
• my life is full of music.  My boys, Will and Jay, play the ukulele together in ways that amaze and delight me.  I sit in awe as they play.
• I can play C, Am, F, and G7 on the uke now.  That means I can play, "Oh, please, stay by me, Dian(n)a"! I amaze no one, but I'm tickled pink by it.
• we just sold our house in Winnipeg and I cried.  In school. In front of a student. Just a little.  But that was the house I raised my babies in.  Who wouldn't cry?!?
• Brenna is squishy and huggy and warm and sweet.  Occasionally the other side of her being a teen raises it's ugly head but overall she's yummy.  She babysits now so she has a fan club of preschoolers who ADORE her.
• Ken has hearing aids now.  With a mute button.  Ha! Just let him try to mute me!!!
• I love being a substitute teacher.  I love the staff, I love the students, I love the work.  I feel like the luckiest person.
• God continues to capture me.  He continues to be my soft place to land, my strong tower and my dearest friend. 

Random thoughts from a snot filled brain.  But you get the point I think.  I mock complain about my crazy life at times but really I have a BIG, FAT and FULL life.  Here and now in H.J.  I am overwhelmed and downright thankful.

Jesus,

As I wander through the wilds of life as a mom, wife, educator and woman, I'm so glad you are with me.  Really with me.  I love you.

'til next time,

Dianna