It
has been rather quiet lately. Nesting and settling into the new home as well as
working the part-time job at church has been filling my days and time. My hands
are dry and cracked from all the cleaning. I forget to use the rubber gloves.
It
feels good to be “healthy” and not having medically necessary issues to contend
with, i.e. kidney stones. It could be better… like getting back into the
walking routine. I miss that and all I need to do is MOVE and DO IT!
We
had our six-year old grand last week. It was his first visit to the new home.
He seemed to like it but was disappointed the swimming pool wasn’t up and
running. Yes, it does get cold enough in Arizona to close down community pools!
With
that being said, a local big box craft / hobby store was having a “Kids Klub”
and we were able to get him in. He loved it and painted an owl on a canvas. All
for $2! Next time, we will look for something kid based at Home Depot.
In
the evenings we would light the candles in the fireplace and let that light the
room while we prepared for his bath and bedtime. It was almost a ritual that
signaled the end of the day for him (as
well as for me). We do this almost every night.
We
have a wonderful patio and small yard. They both need work. That we can do and
we are going to try to be very economical when it comes to outfitting the
patio. So… sitting arrangement or table and chairs? The debate rages, but they
will either be yard sale finds or secondhand store purchases. I was even
thinking that a secondhand futon might be good for sitting and would serve the
old dog (mini Schnauzer) well. But
then again… will I be able to get up and out! The planning and dreaming is part
and parcel of the creative process.
Of
course, as with all homes, there is the upkeep and maintenance. This place
needs some TLC and with that come extra expenses. We are getting estimates for
new windows and two patio doors (or
perhaps French doors). This townhouse was built in 1976 and has original
everything except appliances. Single pane, old windows are just not economical.
So it begins. Sorting through the never-ending list and setting priorities.
We
have a wonderful family service second hand store call TMM – formerly known as
Tucson Metropolitan Mission. They have a Re-Store shop where you can purchase
appliances, kitchen cabinets, doors and hardware. Their Logo alone would make
me want to support their effort!
Have
you been finding everyday grace in your life? Honestly, I’ve been better at
this some day’s than others. To find the everyday grace, I must slow down and
actively seek it. Sometimes I find it in a devotional, others through the word,
but often it is through people – just like you and just like me.
Most
recently it was through a father and his four year old son. Dad was walking
with his son who was riding his bike (fully decked out with a helmet, thank you
very much!). They were riding through the campus of the church and stopped in
the office. The little guy needed a break. He was so polite and quite the
little gentleman. While re-grouping I gave him some paper and highlighters. He
drew me a picture of himself and it is now hanging above my desk.
The next
time I see this father I intend to let him know what a good job he is doing.
Young parents need to be encouraged and parenting is an important vocation,
especially for fathers. There are so many absentee fathers in our society that
we must actively encourage those who are not.
Wishing
you everyday grace,
Tamara
P.S. Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
I’m
sure that is where my creative streak comes from – my Father!
