A MESSAGE I NEEDED TO READ
A very dear friend of mine sent me the following meditation with the simple message, "I think this is why you do what you do". Well, I must admit that it was such an incredibly timely message, as I have been feeling that "what I do" is quite frivolous and that I could be spending my time with much, much more important results. You may have noticed my lack of posting for a couple of months. My mother has been with us since Christmas, and while she is very non-judgmental, I have been sort of reluctant to spend so much time and effort on setting pretty tables and featuring design trends, etc. It just has seemed much more important to sit and chat and let her lead the conversations wherever she wanted. I hope that this message from the Henri Nouwen Society, taken from Bread For the Journey, touches you and gives weight and validity to "what I do", which is always meant to be my expression of gratitude, joy, and appreciation to the people around my table.
HERE'S WHAT SHE SENT:
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Thank you to my friends and family who allow me to express this quality of fellowship. And thank you, Isabelle for sending me this thoughtful message at such an appropriate time.
Beautifully said. I'm going to keep a copy of this. It's so true!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the lucky ones who have been able to be a part of what you do best. When ever I'm sitting at one of your beautifully set tables, eating a meal that was thoughtfully planned out, I feel the love that you put forth. I am thankful for 25 years of sharing treasured times around your table.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you spend time with your Mom. Putting time into our parents is so important. I think, however, that our parents understand that we, like them, need an outlet, something that brings us joy, peace, satisfaction. Whatever that outlet is - a round of golf, a few hours in front of a sewing machine, swishing down the ski slopes, or even putting our skills & talents into the setting of a beautiful table - it is important to round us out, complete us as a person, bring us a bit of happiness. I am a homemaker. A proud homemaker. Part of "making" my home is putting pretty touches to it that make my hard-working husband, my family & friends who come to visit, and myself feel special. When a person sits down to a table that is "set" - whether it be a pretty dish, a flower, or a napkin that evokes memories of times past - they know they are loved. They know an effort, however grand or small, has been put into making that meal one that nourishes not only the body, but the soul. There's nothing at all frivolous about that. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend.
DeleteYour posts always add to simple everyday living, there is nothing frivolous about that.
ReplyDeleteKaren