As we draw this first year in Germany to a close, a certain ‘theme’ has resonated perpetually in the noggin. Does that happen to you too? Does the Lord seem to drill the same lesson or idea into your skull until you ‘get it’? It may be the home school mama in me that causes me to evaluate, analyze, ponder ‘things’ when May pops its head from the cold earth. This year He’s given me a pause… a time to really think….and wonder….and awe…at the everyday beauty…and beauties in my life…
Last June we were ripped out of our snug lives and sent off for adventures in the vast unknown. We were plunked down in a land, foreign, yet not really. And believe me, although we all were ready for a grand adventure, it was a hard landing. We were made to convert and consider other ways of living, and loving, and learning. Thought to ponder: when we are stuck in the same reality day in and day out, do we lose our ‘eye’ for the beauty that is in and around us? I think I do….I have…..
Living in the Deutsch culture affords new reasons to appreciate the beauty found in:
Time ~ Germany takes way more holidays, many of them religious (not that the USAF recognizes these national holidays, but it’s made us look at how busy we as Americans think we need to be). Today, in fact, is the national holiday celebrating Pentecost. How awesome is that? The general pace of life is just not so harried over here. And yet, this economy is the driving force behind the European Union, the most like ours in all the EU. Hmmmm……….
Militarily speaking, I wish I could say that the pace of our lives (namely Rick’s schedule) has slowed, but the world we live in demands perfection in our military. And, consequently, also demands the effort and time to achieve it.
I’ve heard of May Day and dancing around a May Pole (above) in nursery rhymes. They still do that here on May 1st….
Nature~Amazing flowers and landscapes are ever present here. Discipline and work tag along with the pursuit of beauty (I log the hours of my neighbors in tending their gardens and oh! how my eyes get to cash in on their work). All in all, the Deutsch have a much different value system as to what is a truly important use of their time.
These shots were taken just the other day in the early morning mist………incredible…..
My own home~ Our family dynamic and maturity level has changed so quickly this year. At Christmas the realization came that we’ve only got two more years, two more Christmases, with ‘Baby 1’ before college will descend and she will be flying the coop. The boy, 14, is now taller than my own 5’9″ frame….Yep! It’s official! His bones ache now, giving rise to the term ‘growing pains’. Babies 3 and 4 are not far behind him either. Keeping them in jeans and shoes is proving difficult. And, consequently, the belt around the grocery budget is screaming to be loosened a couple of notches……..And you know, I just like them, love them too, but like them…..and the people they’re becoming. Oh, and those precious family times with the hubby home too…….well those are beautiful on their own.
My own talents and abilities~ I’m learning too that the pursuit of beauty in my world is not indulgent, but soul-healing. It causes me to notice and be grateful for the little things, which really are not little to Him. Yearning to flex the talents that He’s given is in itself a valid pursuit and should be awarded time.
So, I'm sitting here, tears brimming on soul's window edges, and feeling overwhelmed by the GRACE this post exudes! I'm going to re-read it, slowly, even more deliberately… so much treasure to glean from your written words… from you sharing your heart!