Day #2 - Ooey Gooey Chocolate

Day #1 - Wet Noses & Sad Eyes

Eucharistic Endeavors - A Summer Project.

Molly Sabourin, a brilliant blogger that I follow, and Ann Voskamp, a brilliant author, have inspired me. Molly Sabourin has begun to publish a photo to her blog, "Close to Home," everyday, for 365 days. Ann Voskamp, as she relayed in her book, "One Thousand Gifts", mindfully wrote out, and gave thanks for 1,000 things. I, being far less ambitious and talented than either of these ladies, have decided to commence similar attempts, with a twist. I will modify by relaying my thanksgiving through image, as well as limit to a photo everyday -- until I journey out to being school at the end of August. I cannot guarantee daily images that are pleasing to the eye, but only time will tell. My purpose in this is two-fold: to train, experiment, and cultivate an artistic nature, as well as to capture beauty, and transform these things into a lasting likeness, and continual reminder of God's good graces. I entitle this project "Eucharistic Endeavors," - attempts at thanksgiving. 

Creative Expression

I completed this video at the end of my narrative photography course. I went on to display it at a creative arts night. It is entitled "Giving Thanks for Food, Family, & Faith"

Taste and See that the Lord is Good

     As the Eucharist marks the pinnacle of each Divine Liturgy, the communicants reverently approach the alter singing, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." In this moment is where the offering of thanks, and the partaking of everlasting joy takes place. 

     I have been pondering over continually dipping my cup into this fountain of life that Christ offers not only at the partaking of the Eucharist, but at every minute, and every second of the day. Each time I come to His table with thanksgiving, even in the mundane and the ordinary, I am revisiting the fountain of life, and the partaking of the joy and fullness thereof. 

     This past Tuesday I prepared a meal for my family. Throughout the preparation, I directed my effort toward being mindful and attentive to the arising aromas, the sound of the rolling boil of stew over the stove top, and the vivid and striking colors of the array of ingredients. All this time, I envision the Liturgy. The engaging of senses, the prayers of petition, and the thanksgiving for all good things which come from above. With every keen cut of the pepper, every methodical stir of the bubbling stew, every plate set down on the table, and every satisfying bite, thanksgiving resounds through my being. What a beautiful thing to witness, to taste the fruit of good labor. 

Living Out

     While it was not explicitly stated within my Missionem, living incarnationally is what I hope to be the central theme of my Mission Statement. I intend to take the ideals presented and embody them into my everyday life. I thought a good place to start in this would be an act of service--just that.

     When my mom informed me that my ailing grandparents would be traveling alone on a fourteen hour road trip to my cousin's graduation, I considered this the perfect opportunity to serve them. My grandmother suffers from extreme arthritis and Parkinson's disease, making mundane tasks extremely difficult. This would deem a large task such as preparing for a trip nearly impossible. My grandfather suffers from both old age and "ignorant in matters concerning the home," syndrome. He holds the best of intentions. None-the-less, let's just say they could use my help. 

    I called my grandmother about a week ago presenting my idea to help her in any way I could, and I received the exact reaction I expected. "Oh no, honey. Don't you worry about us. I know that you're very busy and tired." She said. "No grandma, I want to do this for you," I persisted. She remained stubborn on the matter, as she has always been reluctant to accept help.  I took a more assertive approach. "I would like you to write me out a list of tasks that you need to complete before the trip. Are you doing anything Monday evening?" I asked. "Well, no but..." she attempted. "Good," I cut her off, "I will see you then. I love you." 

    I arrived at their home Monday evening just as I said and after the initial friendly hello's and brief conversation I got right to work. Surprisingly, my grandmother did indeed create a list, and was willing to allow me to work. Thus began the living out.

  A Spiritual and Physical Spring Cleaning

 Tasks:

Laundry

Taking out the Trash

Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don't do it.  

~Author Unknown

Sweeping out the Dirt - Literally and 

Figuratively

Rest 

Vacuuming

Some aspects of my Missionem that I saw present were:

                                                     Order and Rhythm 

                                         Beauty in the Commonplace

Being Fully Present in my Pursuits, Passions, and Relationships

One note in my Mission Statement is to "cultivate a nature of reliability and consistency." I also have several mentions of "being faithful." While Monday evening was a good start, I intend to continue intentional service to my Grandparent's regularly. My hope is to fill my time spent with them with conversation, service, love, and rest. This will hopefully result in a seed being planted toward fully living out. 

My Missionem (Misssion Statement)

I Take Delight In

• ·      Order and rhythm
• ·      Encountering the Sacred
• ·      Sweet Commiseration
• ·      Beauty in the commonplace

 I Aspire to

• ·      Be a faithful daughter, sister, friend, and parishioner
• ·      Cultivate a nature of reliability and consistency
• ·      Be a person of a gentle and graceful spirit  
• ·      Give thanks in all, and complain at little
• ·      Attend to all three aspects of my personhood; my soul, spirit, and body
• 
  
• I Will

• ·      Embrace my faith and Spiritual Community wholly
• ·      Be fully present in my pursuits, passions, and relationships
• ·      Fall before my Savior in adoration
• ·      Defend the dignity of others