Whether it be happy or broken, everyone had a home. "Home" can be a foundation of self, easily shaken or strong. Although retracing ones steps back home may lead to unpleasantries, returning would allow a chance to savor the simplest times. Parenting is the occasion of reliving childhood moment with better understanding and appreciation for the life being created. How this insight is utilized is what will determine the success of the young home.
I had a home among the greenery of northern Idaho. The rolling hills of the Palouse served as a playground for my three sisters and I. We developed faith in a supreme being responsible for the creation of majestic mountains and forests. I hold dear to my heart the traditions of each season. A local tree farm was our winter destination, determined to find the perfect christmas tree. My father would chop it down, pack it home and his four daughters would proudly decorate it. Emerald fields were the product of endless spring rain while the snow melted. Time disappeared as we explored the mysteries of lakes and rivers and turned brown with the summer sun. Our creative minds found shade under leafy trees while we conjured up backyard games and silly songs. Inevitably, the leaves would fade to amber and autumn rose in the air with the burning fields. The pattern of change helped us to understand and appreciate the scripture in Ecclesiastes:
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck...a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Trust in our Heavenly Father and trust in each other came easily in that season of home. Only now as an adult can I piece together the critical lessons of my youth. The application of the lessons is what moves me forward. Now I see the overwhelming presence of the spirit of God within a child's innocence. The ability to see every thing as unique and real. Humility gained from a thunderstorm or a reaching view from the top of a mountain transpired more often as a child. I thirst for the ease of belief. I crave the absence of worry. I hope to preserve my daughter's right to adventure and I pray for the opportunity to return home.
I was thinking about home too recently. I cant seem to help it around these "fall" times. I keep saying to myself, "I should be doing this right now" and it's hard for me to be missing the traditions, sights, and smells I love so much. When we took the kids to the little creek we found, I was sad to know they are missing so much. I know that everything has a time and place and I guess that's what makes my Arizona sojourn easier. "This too shall pass" there is and end to this. When we finally reach our goal I know it will be that much sweeter. I know the same can be said of you and all your goals in life too. The day we can watch you reach those goal will be a sweet day indeed.
ReplyDeleteI cried when I read your passage today. Life seems to just get more complicated. There is so much responsibility and weight placed on my shoulders right now. I do long sometimes for those carefree days of my childhood. Where it seemed the Earth was created solely for our adventures. Where at times it seemed we were the only people on Earth or at least that we were the only ones who could view the sweet hidden beauties. Your beautiful and eloquent passage has reminded me that it is my duty to provide this atmosphere for my children to dwell in happiness. I need to remember the purpose of our existence; drawing nearing to God, serving others, and having joy in the journey of life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspired words. I truly long for the day were we can all be together again. I miss you so much! Can't wait for November!