Seed & Water

It’s freezing and drizzly in Nashville. There are orange scones, simmering pots of soup, Chase tying flies (how dreamy), reading for long hours under blankets, and staying in pajamas to keep warm. All is peaceful.

On the heels of a joyful and busy multi-family Christmas frenzy, these slow days at home are so restful. It’s rare that we have time off work and get to stay in town; one, because of a lack in vacation days (although I am happy to have as many as I do), and two, maybe because of a fear of boredom or waste. But in a world where we can’t catch up on sleep, e-mail, laundry, or even time with friends, I hesitate to believe boredom is our enemy. We should make a point to take off work just to stay home every now and then… it’s simply rejuvenating in a way that a week away in a cabin or on the ocean isn’t. After all, home is where our lives truly happen—morning chatter, errands, chopping onions, familiar tasks, familiar spaces. Having time to practice the day-to-day with hours on end of nowhere to go or be isn’t life, but slowing down in the places where our life happens is, well, it’s just nice. I’d like to keep doing it every now and then.

I hope these cold, gray days after the holidays are filled with peace and calm (and if nothing else, soup) for you, too.

And before I sing too many praises of staying home, tomorrow we jet off to St. Louis for a visit with the Jernigans! Feasting, libations and laughter to ensue.