Category: Helpfulness of Habit

Wow, week 25 has come and gone.  Where have the weeks gone?

June is almost over.  The cool weather slowly gives way to warm and then in a moment it’s hot.  We reluctantly closed our windows and turned on the air conditioning this week when our kids just couldn’t fall asleep.  Nice as it is to have the cool air indoors I’ve missed waking to the sound of a symphony of birds outside our windows.

Habits:

We’re working hard on the habit of obedience at our house.  It’s really my number one goal for the summer.  It also means that we’re making progress in many housekeeping areas which is a relief.  I’m not naturally good at teaching my children how to work but am trying to improve.   I realize that too often I’ve worked quietly while they’ve played because it gives me joy to see them play together in healthy ways, especially when I feel like our busy lives don’t allow enough time for it.  My natural inclination to seek some quiet moments hasn’t helped.  Sometimes cleaning alone is the most privacy I have in a day and I need to welcome the noise and bring the children in for what I’m doing.  I’ve made a mistake in so doing, and am trying to fix it.

Reading.  I’m reading a lot and am happy with the pace at which I’m making my way through the heavy historical reading I’m so drawn to.  In an act of great discipline I read a novel last week as well.  More on that soon.

Creativity:  I found time to do a little sewing (thanks to a deadline) and have tried a few recipes.

Finishing:  This week I finished two projects that needed attention.

Maintaining:  I feel good about my work in our yard and am grateful I find it so enjoyable.

Exercise:  I did better this week and particularly enjoyed a fun walk with my dear friend Jana.  It was a great morning (thanks, my friend!)

Thoughtfulness & Service:  I just realized that yesterday was another friend’s birthday and I didn’t make it to her house before we drove out of town again.  (Sorry Julene!)  I’ll have to repent of that when we get back.

Changing gears:  This habit wasn’t one I had chosen when I started the year, but it’s become something I’m working at daily.  I’m earnestly trying to relax and enjoy what is going on in the present without being preoccupied by other worries and concerns.  I had a few times when I wasn’t successful at this but I feel that I’m really learning to relax and enjoy the moment, then get back to serious work when it’s time.

Journals:  I’ve fallen off this habit as my reading has picked up.  I’m going to work on that this week.

And so, while I should have come up with a more scientific way to measure these rather ambiguous goals (so like me), I feel like I’m lengthening my stride somewhat and I like the feel of it.

We’re in Newport Beach for our annual week at the beach.  I love the sounds of cars and people walking by the house to get to the sand.  I love the smell, the sights, the ocean, the house.  But the stilled voice of my Grandpa was more than I could take.  We pulled in last night, got out of the car, opened the garage, went in the house and I found myself wandering around.  I realized I was feeling anxious because I hadn’t yet heard his wonderful laugh and his “Hi Jen!”  It was more than I could handle and while my family ran to the beach I stayed in the house and had a good cry.  My three year old daughter cried with me while she said “I love you so much Mommy” over and over again.   I have visited this house all my life, and every time he’s been here to greet us.  Until now.  And it hurts.  I miss him so much and hope he is able to see how much we love and appreciate him.

So we’ll enjoy the beach with all our hearts because that’s what he would want us to do.

Jennifer

Happy Father’s Day!  I hope it’s been a great one for all the fathers in your life.   Ours has been a fairly normal day with children bouncing back and forth between wonderful and frustrating.   I had a nice talk with my one in a million Dad and hope that my efforts in our home here allowed my husband an enjoyable day.

The week has been so busy that it’s hard to believe we drove home from California on Monday.  Part of me wants to scream with frustration that June is more than half  over yet at the same time I know there’s nothing to be done about it.   We’re in the crazy years and we’d better enjoy them.

Habits.   Hmmm.   With the children we’re focusing on the habit of obedience.   Obedience not because it makes sense to you or because you agree with your parents or because they gave you enough incentive to listen to them.  Obedience because it is the right thing, because sometimes your parents can’t explain to you why something needs to be done, obedience because it is proper and respectful.  We’ve slid too far down the path of leniency in this area and are hiking back up.

The children are also doing well with their gardens.  I love watching them!

We need to work on swimming.   I purchased a family summer pass to our local fitness center so we can improve.

Personally I am doing really well in a couple of areas.   I decided this year I need to spend more time outdoors.  I’m doing a lot of gardening (loving every minute) and we’re eating dinner beneath our cherry tree almost every night.

I’m also reading a great deal.  Other things aren’t happening as a result (sewing and more housekeeping would be nice) but I feel good about investing in my own education and believe that my children need to see me slow down and read good books alongside them.

The whole struggle with things, laundry, messes, etc. still gets to me.  I want to get things to a manageable place and feel discouraged that my progress is so slow.  I keep reminding myself to work at it when it’s appropriate, but to change gears and enjoy my children when it’s time to do that.  I had some very sweet moments with my youngest three this week.

One thing the week did NOT provide was adequate sleep.   Our son leaves at 5 a.m. for his High Adventure camp so I’d best get some rest.  I hope your week is wonderful.

Jennifer

I’m typing this report from Newport Beach California where we’ve been for the weekend.  Yesterday the memorial service was held for my remarkable grandpa who passed away a week ago today.  It’s been what many funerals are:  emotional ups and downs, memories shared, laughter, cousins playing together, relatives reconnecting and catching up on life’s experiences.

Naturally, we wouldn’t want to keep things too simple or run-of-the-mill, so on the first night we were here our youngest threw up all night long, with our 6th joining the party at 4 am.  What does it say when you’ve exhausted the towel supply from two hotel rooms and are down at the front desk at 4 am asking for 10 clean towels to be delivered to your room?  Number 6 was over it as quickly as it hit him, but our baby has been sick for 48 hours, only beginning to hold down even sips of fluids tonight… just in time for #5 to get sick.  After several days of not sleeping well, we were counting on a good night’s rest tonight before tomorrow’s drive back.  It looks like we’re in for an adventure.

I’ve been thinking about how sometimes when you try to do the right thing the Lord seems to whisk away the obstacles and provide a clear path to your destination.  Other times it feels like he litters the way with big rocks, then helps you limp over them.  Much as I wish and hope and occasionally pray for the clear path, our current stage in life seems to be way of the rocks.  I guess God really isn’t interested in us being comfortable right now.  I suppose he’s trying to strengthen our backs.

My Mom has always said something I believe to be wise.  Life provides a lot of choices, many of which are difficult.  But if you always err on the side of choosing people and not things, chances are that things will work out and you won’t regret your choices.  We’ve tried to choose people this week.  A lot of “things” have been disappointing, but the feeling of gathering with relatives to celebrate the life of a wonderful man (even if your baby throws up in the middle of the funeral) is great payment for all the headaches it took to get here.

And so tonight I close with a heart that is grateful for people who’ve touched my life in powerful and good ways.  I am grateful to have known my Grandpa, grateful to have been here this weekend with my extended family, so grateful  to belong to an awesome family.

Now we just need to get home and get back to work.

Jennifer