Leaf by Elizabeth

 For awhile now, I've been feeling the need for a space of my own. The third-floor office feels more like Matt's space, as I no longer work up there, and since little light #2 is still sleeping in our walk-in closet, the bedroom usually isn't available. My default space to hang out has been the couch opposite the television, with my laptop on the side table. A convenient place for vegging or checking email, but not so great for nourishing the spirit. Enter, a table with a view. As a result of some creative processing work I've been doing with a friend, I got the idea to set up an art table. We happened to have the perfect table upstairs- it was my parents' kitchen table when they were first married, and when I was in college a good friend stripped and refinished it. Matt helped me take out the extra leaves from the dining room table (it's actually a better size for the 4 of us when it's shortened) to create a space at the back of the room fo

It feels like I'm recovering from being hit by a massive ocean wave (the arrival and first half-year with our 2nd little light- particularly regarding the lack of sleep and personal time). It has receded now and my feet are back on the ground, but I'm surveying the drenched and ravaged landscape with salt and sand in my face and ears, still trying to get my bearings. In this season, it is good to dwell on new leaves and warm light.

I had the rare opportunity to go for a walk by myself today. The snowbanks which once were so pristine are starting to melt and showing their age. Usually I just see them and think, "yuck!" But today I discovered that they are creating beauty in their melting (must be a spiritual metaphor in there somewhere, but I'm too tired to find it). I love looking for beauty. When I do, I feel like I'm partnering with God- he created the beauty, and I'm seeing it and framing it. And there is so much beauty to find. Snowbank icicles and ice sculptures. The dark outline of trees against the late afternoon sky. A sunset over a snow-covered field. As a little bonus, here's a George MacDonald quote that I came across today- I really like it. "You are ready to be miserable over trifles, and do not believe God good enough to care for your care: I would reason with you to help you rid of your troubles, for they hide from you the thoughts of your God."