A Peaceful Oasis

I happen to be writing this post to a soundtrack of electronic bleeps and sirens.  The little boys are sitting on the rug beside me, playing with their new trucks.  It's kind of ironic that I'm writing about peace.

Actually, it's not ironic at all.  Some people seem to be able to create peace and beauty out of whatever's available, wherever they go.  I'm not one of those people.  Sure,my primary job around here is to keep the peace, but that's different.  I'm talking about environment.  And I do believe there can be little pockets of peace even amid the noise that a passel of little boys create.  But for some reason my family and I are far more adept at creating general chaos than at maintaining even the smallest oases of peacefulness.

So I often have to fill my bucket at the wells of other people.  (I hope they don't mind.)  This morning I would like to share two posts which particularly spoke to my need for a little peace and beauty this week.  They are not posts about peace or how to achieve it, but both posts include photos which, to me, were little windows onto moments of beauty that made me sit back and smile with contentment.

I always look forward to Dawn's posts because they are always so gentle and beautiful -- like Dawn herself!  This week her post on wooden toys created a warm glow on a dark and rainy morning; Katydid and Farmerboy gathered round the screen to see the sunshine lighting up the row of wooden stacking toys on her windowsill.  Thank you, Dawn, for sharing that.

The other post comes from Meredith, whose energy and cheerfulness always inspire me.  Her photos of Seamus working on the Montessori knobbed cylinders made me smile as I walked Chipmunk back and forth in front of the computer in the dark.  The light wood, sunlight, roses, and the big smile are definitely an oasis of beauty.  Thank you for posting, Meredith!

And now, since my parents are coming into town tomorrow, I need to get back to taming the chaos in my own house, starting with... the refrigerator.

Comments

[Meredith]

Aw shucks, you made ME smile!!! I'm so glad to be part of your oasis :) Your unending steadfastness with your dear children always inspires me too, have fun with the G's in town :) Happy weekend!!

[Eileen]

This is a very nice--very *real*--reflection.

I think most families are "far more adept at creating general chaos"--or, at least, let's just say I console myself with that thought!

When the going gets particularly tough--and believe me, there are days!--it's hard for me to keep my perspective. God gave me these kids, with the personalities and needs they each have, for a reason--I tell myself it's because He thought we were a good match (and most of the time, I can see that we really are!)...but there are definitely times I wonder why He didn't give them the benefit of someone more like dear Dawn or Meredith!! :)

Anyway, you remind me that the idea is to drink from the peacefulness well--without allowing myself to indulge in feeling inadequate in the process--and get back to the business of loving and serving my family the best way I know how.

Nice post. Wonderful links. Thank you!

Warmly,
Eileen