Meanderings and Memos #2
Endurance, daffodils, and wholeness
I am currently in my favorite place in the world, the mountains of western North Carolina. The peace and happiness associated with this part of the world along with its particular beauty makes it an area that soothes my soul.
This season of my life can best be described as chaotic. It seems that every few weeks my husband and I are called to re-examine where we are and make adjustments to our lifestyle to get us through this time. I find myself weary—of change, of making decisions, of expectations. Through this, the Lord is certainly teaching me to be at peace in all circumstances. I see idols and things that I take for granted being uprooted in my soul, and I am grateful. But in this, I have become keenly aware that my priorities are different than those around me, and that my life will look strange to many in my context.
My dear friend called me this week, and in our conversation, he asked, “Are you still following Jesus? Do you think you’ll make it out of this season a whole person?” His question stopped me in my tracks. So much of this season has been just making it through, but in answering his question, I realized how much of my wholeness is being preserved in the little parts of my days. My brisk walks as the sun comes up, novels about people who wrestle with life in profound ways, lyrical music in which people share raw feelings—all of these have been drawing me back to Jesus and back to wholeness.
Discipleship, success, flourishing—they all look different for me right now, and maybe they will for the rest of my days. But doing things that take stock of the parts of my life that keep me full and keep me going is what will allow me to walk out of such a difficult season, whole. And isn’t that what Jesus promises us?
Memos This Week
Daffodils are blooming in my area, which brings me a ridiculous amount of joy. Here are my neighbors sprouts that I come by on my morning walks.
My kitchen joy this week were these freeze-ahead sausage egg muffin sandwiches. I made these English muffins to put them on, and it was such a treat for a hearty, quick, early morning breakfast.
The musical artist that I focused on this week was Sandra McCracken. Sandra has been one of the most consistently impactful and meaningful hymn writers in my spiritual life, and I love revisiting her music. I also love this new EP with her new band, The Paper Horses.
What I’m Reading
The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge - This is my third Goudge, and I think it’s my favorite so far. I love the characters that she is introducing and the motifs of beauty in imagination and the simple life.
You Are a Tree by Joy Marie Clarkson - Joy Clarkson has been one of my favorite writers and thinkers for a few years now, and I’m so excited to dive into this book that was just released last week!
Redeeming Vision by Elissa Yukkiko Weichbrodt - This book is fulfilling my enduring desire to learn more about visual art and art history. I’m loving this intensely practical and thoughtful introduction to visual art.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Toklien - My husband and I have been reading this together for months, and we refer to our readings as “spending time with the hobbits.” Reading Tolkien with others is highly enjoyable.
I think I will go enjoy some cold mountain air and continue in my Goudge adventure. May you all have peaceful weeks!
See you next week,
Kara