Choose Your Yoke

There's an expression that I somehow missed as I was growing up, and now I find myself using it to encourage others who feel a bit inadequate in the way they handled or approached a given situation: "You did (or have done) the best that you knew how." It's an expression that I need to say to myself more frequently.

Being the primary bookkeeper and accountant for our personal and piano studio resources, there are many times when my planning and budgeting don't seem to match up with what a present need is or the unexpected curve balls we get. And, since our culture insists that we should always be able to budget, plan and save for future events (and thus avoid undue stress and needs), it becomes very easy to stamp "failure" on my forehead.

But God only asks us to do the best that we can in a given situation, and when the burden becomes too heavy, we are to place it upon his shoulders. How freeing that is! Instead of focusing on all the things I'm NOT doing, I can concentrate on doing what I can and trusting God with the outcome. But it will take quite a bit of reprogramming to undo decades of negativity. Lord, have mercy.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Time to Merge

Up until now, I have tried to maintain two separate blogs - one focusing on my journey in the Orthodox Church and another dealing with everyday events in my life.  The former was initiated several years ago and the latter only this year.

Initially, when I was considering and reading about the Orthodox faith, there were no grandchildren and my husband and I were being led away from our Evangelical roots.  My searching and discovering took up much of my time, and I felt the need to put down some of my thoughts and experiences from the journey.  I established the first blog: Narrow Pathways.  In the past year, my lifestyle has changed rather dramatically, and I found it necessary to work on living out my faith in my current, very busy and often unpredictable situation.  Therefore, as in my personal life, I feel it is time to merge these two blogs into one, since there are so many things that seem to overlap.  

So here, with Two Harvests, I will be sharing life events and reflections on the Orthodox faith as I continue to learn and grow.  My challenge for the year 2012!

Giddyup! Ow!

I've GOT to stop thinking that I'm in my 20s with toddlers again! My mind is still there, but my body will not cooperate with my bent toward thinking up creative things to do with a two year old. 

Katie Lynn is in a climbing stage and sees a step stool as a free ticket to discover things that have previously been out of reach for her. Next to carrying around her lovey, Larry the Lamb, the most common thing to see her carrying around the house is a small step stool. When you see her pass by with it, you'd better follow her!

Climbing not only includes sofas, coffee tables, beds and being able to stick her hand in the table water fountain. It also includes climbing on people! She loves to have someone lay on the floor so that she can climb all over you and hopefully end up in a good round of tickling. She also loves having someone get on their hands and knees so that she can pretend she is on a horse. This is all well and good. But last week, as I was in the "horsey" position on the floor, Katie Lynn asked me to "giddyup". This is when my body should have screamed at my brain, "Are you kidding???? Don't even think about it!" The next day, I could barely get out up out of my chair and walk without limping! Scratch "horsey rides" off my list. Good thing I already had an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow!

Fireflies and Flashlights

She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But, Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" She will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye.

My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, "62." He was quiet for a moment and then asked, "Did you start at 1?"

My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma,do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?" You're both old," he replied.

I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last she headed for the door,saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these yourself!"

When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied,"I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised. "Mine says I'm four to six."

A nursery school teacher was delivering a station wagon full of kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close. "They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

I Can Touch the Sky

I took my granddaughter to one of our favorite parks this afternoon. I think it was the first time just the two of us have gone to the park. Mommy sprained her foot and is on crutches, Papaw had a migraine, and, well, Daddy had to stay and take care of Mommy who can only get around on crutches at this point. So, armed with water bottles and a snack, we drove to nearby Crowley Park.

It appeared to be a busy day with several family picnics going on, a birthday party on the deck by the pond, some kite flying in the nearby baseball field, and several groups fishing in the pond. But everyone was pretty spread out so it didn't seem overly crowded. Katie Lynn doesn't usually like being on playground equipment when there are a lot of kids around (I can't say I blame her), so I suggested we go on the deck to feed the turtles and tiny fish in the water. That suited her just fine. The entire deck (which is rather large) is surrounded by sturdy wire fencing, so that there's no danger of her falling off. She loves the freedom of running from one corner to the other and peering through the fence. There are actually two smaller sections of the fence that are a tiny bit lower and are just the right height for her to step up on one of the rails and look over the top herself - a great feeling of independence.

Once we ran out of bread cubes for the fish and turtles, I glanced over to the playground and noticed that no children were on the swings and suggested that we go back. She liked that idea and proceeded to run over the wood deck (it makes a wonderful noise when you run!) on her way to the playground. On the way, I pointed out the colorful kite, and she instantly associated it with Arnold the Pig in the Kipper videos (Pig and Arnold love flying their kite).

Katie Lynn chose the smaller swings - the ones for preschoolers that are sort of like buckets with holes for your legs. That way she can enjoy the fun of swinging without worrying about falling off or shifting your weight. With a "Ready, steady, go!" (also from the Kipper videos), I pushed her and continued to push her for, what seemed, a half an hour before she was ready to get down. She enjoyed watching the other kids playing on the playground equipment (without being in the middle of them) and seeing several little dogs go by with their owners walking them.

I loved swinging as a child (is there any child who didn't??). In the summertime, when school was out, my friend and I would walk down to the school playground and swing on the big swings, and time seemed to stop, as I dreamed dreams and thought about all sorts of things. I was reminded of those times this afternoon as I saw Katie Lynn slip into such a relaxed state going back and forth. Has anyone thought of swinging as therapeutic? Why don't they make swings for adults? What if a psychiatrist prescribed 3 hours of swinging each week for his patients? Would it make a difference? There is something so freeing about the back and forth motion and feeling like you could soar like a bird. It's too bad that we relegate so many things to childhood and don't carry them over into adulthood.

It was a good afternoon, and I think we both benefited from the time outside. By the time Katie Lynn was ready to get off the swings, the playground was full of grade school children and pretty hectic. I suggested it was time to go home, and Katie Lynn agreed. Her lovie, Larry, was in the car waiting for her and a package of Bunny Chews. Life is good!

Do Not Worry about Your Life

I truly don't think I have ever been in a field of flowers that is that large. One morning last week, my daughter took me to a nearby field that just happens to be in front of the Fujitsu company in Richardson. She had told me about this field of bluebonnets that just goes on forever. It took maybe 5 minutes to get there. I couldn't believe my eyes when we pulled up. This has been practically in my own backyard, and I didn't know about it. I felt a bit foolish!

As with other splendors of God - mountains, oceans, valleys, and the starry universe - there is absolutely no way to capture it with a camera or a video. You have to stand right in the middle of it and experience it! I wanted everyone dear to me to be right there with me to see it and breathe in the fragrance. Since that was not possible, I resorted to the usual - taking photos. Naturally, all the photos ended up looking the same and in no possible way captured the experience of standing in a field of bluebonnets. But I will bore you with them all the same!

What is it about flowers - millions of flowers! - that make us smile and uplifts our spirits? They are here one day and gone tomorrow. How can they impart such meaning and joy? It is a mystery. And it is also a reminder of Christ's words to us:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith?

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6)

Finding a New Park

One of the things that my daughter and I have been doing this year is exploring different parks and trails around this region. There are pluses and minuses to all of them. Some have playgrounds for preschoolers and older children. Some have lakes or ponds. Others are just nature trails. This afternoon, we found a wonderful park just 7 minutes north of my house - Crowley Park in Richardson.

They have swings and playgrounds built for preschoolers and elementary age children, lots of shade trees, a nice pavilion, and a lovely pond nearby that has a deck jutting out into the pond and some resident mallards, turtles and koi. We will definitely be visiting this one in the weeks to come!

Spring Garden

Here are some of the things growing in my garden this month AND my "garden helper"!

Purple in Texas

Someone shared these photos of some of the lavender fields that are in the Hill Country of Texas. There are a number of lavender farms in that area, and there is even a Lavender Festival in June. I can't even imagine the fragrance!

Mulch

We have made a number of trips to our city's recycling center this week. I read that the city provides free mulch to any of its residents. Evidently, the city has an endless supply of mulch from a variety of sources and is glad to give it away. Who knew? All you have to do is load up your car/truck with shovels, buckets and a tarp, and make the 10 minute drive. Once there, you are faced with a huge container filled with mulch. One end is open, so you can back your car or truck right up to it and commence with transferring the material. If someone has beat you to it, you can always jump up on top of the mulch and begin filling your 5 gallon buckets. We have found that a pitchfork works best in loosening the mulch (which has become compacted by the sheer volume of it) and putting it into the buckets. And a two-man team is helpful - one filling the bucket and the other transferring the contents to the vehicle. Of course, you have to reverse the process once you get home!

After this rather back-breaking work, and in the sun, I began to wonder "What is the purpose of mulch anyway? Why is it so important?" I found a good explanation:

Mulch: any material placed over soil in the garden. It's designed to retain moisture, deter weeds and keep the soil from eroding. The benefits of mulch are plentiful. For the busy gardener, mulch is a great time-saving device because it helps to prevent weeds from sprouting in the garden. In addition, it can keep the soil moist, reducing the need for constant watering. Mulch will enrich the existing soil and will prevent rain and other elements from washing it away.

It seems that mulch serves as a protection - both to keep the good things in and the bad things out. Using it helps the plants and soil maintain a healthy environment for growth and strength, even under extreme conditions of heat and cold. A constancy is preserved underneath. In addition, it keeps undesirable elements from growing within which can short-circuit the plant's source of nutrition. Finally, mulch will keep the soil and plants from being displaced or torn apart during wind and rain.

I'm always looking for spiritual illustrations in the ordinary things around me. As an Orthodox Christian, keeping a morning and evening prayer time has become my "mulch". I have found that when I skip these times, I become more vulnerable to distractions and anxieties. My life seems out of control and aimless. I become more self-centered and impatient. For others, following the Divine Hours throughout the day keeps them centered and focused. Scripture reading is also a good "mulch". But whatever it is, our body and soul needs it to grow and be nourished. Don't be fooled when the enemy whispers, "It's not necessary!"

Harbingers of Spring

Crocuses (photo by N. Nice)

Spring always surprises me. After months of gray and brown and dead leaves, one begins to forget what flowers and grass and shade trees look like. Sitting on my back patio, I look at the barren branches of my crape myrtles, oak tree and pear tree and try to remember all the shade they provide. It is difficult to imagine everything coming back to life again. Judging just by outward appearance, the Snow Queen has pretty much killed everything!

Then a green blade pushes up through the weather worn mulch and fallen leaves. I had completely forgotten about the daffodils in that corner! The sunlight is still sharply angled by the tilt of the earth and casts long shadows. But deep down in the earth, crocuses and daffodils are drinking in the warmth and preparing to sound the first chords of the prelude to spring.

The bright green and yellow of daffodils are soon followed by Bradford pear trees around town exploding in white blossoms. They look like trees whose branches have popped popcorn overnight! And then, as if the Master Artist decided to add a splash of color for accent and surprise, the redbud trees add their brilliant pinks against dark evergreens and barren oaks. Everything shouts the promise of spring and the hope of resurrection.

The Savior by Viktor Vasnetsov

How fitting that Pascha (Easter) is right at this time of year. We have all of creation around us to remind us of Christ's resurrection and the gift of life he has given us. God always meant for his creation to be a reflection of spiritual truths and a means of understanding our life in him. Let us be mindful of always keeping in touch with this marvelous gift.

Sofa Cushions

Skimming over the home page of the New York Times this morning, this heading jumped out at me:  Effort to Restore Children’s Play Gains Momentum


I haven't thought much about this topic since I had my own children 30 years ago, but, now that I'm a grandparent, the issue has become relevant once more. For the past 20 years I have wondered how all this technology and immediate access to information (good and bad) would affect children growing up. I have been troubled to see children so "scheduled" with soccer practices, games, gymnastics, piano lessons, and AP classes.  Writer Hilary Stout states:

"For several years, studies and statistics have been mounting that suggest the culture of play in the United States is vanishing. Children spend far too much time in front of a screen, educators and parents lament — 7 hours 38 minutes a day on average, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation last year. And only one in five children live within walking distance (a half-mile) of a park or playground, according to a 2010 report by the federal Centers for Disease Control, making them even less inclined to frolic outdoors."

My first response is - "Well, who lets the child sit in front of a screen that many hours?" The answer soon bubbles up:

"Behind the numbers is adult behavior as well as children’s: Parents furiously tapping on their BlackBerrys in the living room, too stressed by work demands to tolerate noisy games in the background. Weekends consumed by soccer, lacrosse and other sports leagues, all organized and directed by parents. The full slate of lessons (chess, tae kwon do, Chinese, you name it) and homework beginning in the earliest grades."

"Too little playtime may seem to rank far down on the list of society’s worries, but the scientists, psychologists, educators and others who are part of the play movement say that most of the social and intellectual skills one needs to succeed in life and work are first developed through childhood play. Children learn to control their impulses through games like Simon Says, play advocates believe, and they learn to solve problems, negotiate, think creatively and work as a team when they dig together in a sandbox or build a fort with sofa cushions. (The experts define play as a game or activity initiated and directed by children. So video games don’t count, they say, except perhaps ones that involve creating something, and neither, really, do the many educational toys that do things like sing the ABC’s with the push of a button.)" 

To be fair, I have to admit that it would very difficult to raise a child today in our culture. You can't isolate your child from what's going on around him. If you do, he won't know how to deal with it once he gets older. Parents who want to create a more healthy atmosphere for their children must go to battle daily to keep things in balance - putting limitations on technology in the home and inevitably being unpopular with other parents or children who haven't made the same decisions. Not an easy path to choose.


Perhaps some good can come out of our current recession. Many families have been forced to cut back on items that cost money - technology, toys, lessons, team sports. One can hope that these families will find they have more time with their children and that everyone ends up benefiting from it.

The entire article here.