Weekly Installment #1 - The Heralding of Springtime

Eucharistic Endeavors Part II

Some may remember my attempts this past Summer toward daily conveying my thanksgiving through image. I entitled this little project as "eucharistic endeavors," and continued the posts through the end of August.


Well, I then kinda became a college student, and that was the end of that. My artistic efforts have been about as dry as the dead leaves on the ground for many months. However, this beautiful Spring weather has set my creativity back into motion, and I have decided to resume weekly (vs. daily,) posts.


I hope you are all reveling in this magnificent season of new life as I am. Let us join in beholding the beauty that is before us.

To Be Home

I walk through my front door, gaze through my bedroom window, or sit down to the kitchen table for the thousandth time and contentment resounds in my spirit. Such things are so familiar and yet equally distant from me. I remember all of the times spent in this home. Though times of anger, frustration, anxiety, and chaos have all been present in this place - these are not the times I remember. Times of laughter, contented silence, peace, order, and love are what dance across my mind. Yet, for now, these must remain only as memories. 

What a great blessing to spend this past week at home. Each time I go away I forget of the beauty, the love, and the goodness that is present there. (Yes, even among the bickering and sometimes less than peaceful household.) I had forgotten how much I missed kissing each member of my family goodnight, playing games at my aunt and uncle's house, lighting a candle, reading books to my little cousin, sitting around the dinner table, being in the company of my grandparent's, cooking as well as partaking in good home cooked meals, and yes, I even missed doing the dishes and folding fresh laundry.


It's difficult to live in two different places. Each place has its struggles and stress, but each place is also richly furnished with blessings and joys. I must for now try to be faithful to each the best way I know how. Faithful to my duties as well as faithful to the people there. So, as I sit here at my desk I remember the place from which I have come. I love that place, and I love the people there. But now I must also be present to this place, right here, right now. At the moment that means closing my computer and opening my book, "On Law, Morality, and Politics". 


So, in closing, I will say this: thank you, my dear family and friends, for so graciously receiving me. I will see you again in May.

~~~~~
I ran across a lovely song by Miranda Lambert called "The House that Built Me," and thought it quite appropriate. Here are a few of the lyrics:

You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can. 
I got lost in this whole world and forgot who I am. 

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it 
this brokenness inside me might start healing. 
Out here its like I'm someone else, 
I thought that maybe I could find myself. 
If I could walk around I swear I'll leave. 
Won't take nothing but a memory 
from the house that built me.

-Miranda Lambert, The House that Built Me

Here are just a few photos from my time at home.

Enjoy!

My Aunt's very own beautifully made cupcakes made for my cousin's birthday party

A scene I have greatly missed. I am so blessed to be a part of this Parish. 

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at St. Catherine's.

Flaming Candles in the Narthex

Sharing a delicious cucumber-tomato-avacado sandwich with my mommy.