Beautifully heartfelt, Elisabeth. I'm reading "Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives" by Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, and I highlighted this passage for myself. Maybe you'll find it as calming as I do.
"The Lord has taken all of our sufferings and cares upon Himself, and He has said that He will provide for all of our needs, yet we hold on to our cares so tightly that we create unrest in our hearts and minds, in our families, and all around us.
Whenever I am burdened by problems, and when I try to bear all the cares of the monastery and the brotherhood by myself, then there is trouble in store for me and the brethren. Even the easiest job is carried out with great difficulty. But when I commit myself, the brotherhood, and everything else unto the Lord, even the hardest of jobs gets done with ease. There is no pressure, and peace reigns among the brethren."
This is so beautifully written. You describe the spiritual nature of being couped up, being in a cold desert very well. The advice giver in me wants to suggest coveralls, hand warmers, trooper hat so you can get out walking.
You’ve been in my prayers for the Lord to grant you the desires of your heart and will continue prayers as you walk through this. Another advice thing—I hope you’re reading and In touch with Shepherdess/Rekindled Ruins for our cohort. You remind me of each other.
The advice giver in you is always welcome here! 🩷 Thank you Katie for praying. The last couple days I got out for hikes because my neighbor said I should drive my car on the highway to help charge up the battery. I will try to be better about joining the Thursday Zooms!
Thanks so much for your grace! Glad to hear you got out and drove your car! Hopefully the weather will moderate next week. I do hope you come for Thursdays zoom!
This captures the challenges of winter very well, as well as those in your own life.
What I noticed the other day, in my part of the winter, was how drained of colour everything looked. With all the white and grey, and no sunshine, the world looked almost two dimensional. When the sun came out and created shadows, and sparkles, and the sky glowed blue, it was entirely different.
It is a challenge to find the grace and beauty in your life when you are not yet where you want to be. It is possible though, and worth it. Thank you for the lovely writing. I tend to try to escape winter, if only in my mind. I appreciate your challenge to accept it.
Beautifully heartfelt, Elisabeth. I'm reading "Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives" by Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, and I highlighted this passage for myself. Maybe you'll find it as calming as I do.
"The Lord has taken all of our sufferings and cares upon Himself, and He has said that He will provide for all of our needs, yet we hold on to our cares so tightly that we create unrest in our hearts and minds, in our families, and all around us.
Whenever I am burdened by problems, and when I try to bear all the cares of the monastery and the brotherhood by myself, then there is trouble in store for me and the brethren. Even the easiest job is carried out with great difficulty. But when I commit myself, the brotherhood, and everything else unto the Lord, even the hardest of jobs gets done with ease. There is no pressure, and peace reigns among the brethren."
I love this so much, Lauren. Got me all choked up 💖
This is so beautifully written. You describe the spiritual nature of being couped up, being in a cold desert very well. The advice giver in me wants to suggest coveralls, hand warmers, trooper hat so you can get out walking.
You’ve been in my prayers for the Lord to grant you the desires of your heart and will continue prayers as you walk through this. Another advice thing—I hope you’re reading and In touch with Shepherdess/Rekindled Ruins for our cohort. You remind me of each other.
And if you can, join our Thursday zoom calls?
The advice giver in you is always welcome here! 🩷 Thank you Katie for praying. The last couple days I got out for hikes because my neighbor said I should drive my car on the highway to help charge up the battery. I will try to be better about joining the Thursday Zooms!
Thanks so much for your grace! Glad to hear you got out and drove your car! Hopefully the weather will moderate next week. I do hope you come for Thursdays zoom!
This captures the challenges of winter very well, as well as those in your own life.
What I noticed the other day, in my part of the winter, was how drained of colour everything looked. With all the white and grey, and no sunshine, the world looked almost two dimensional. When the sun came out and created shadows, and sparkles, and the sky glowed blue, it was entirely different.
It is a challenge to find the grace and beauty in your life when you are not yet where you want to be. It is possible though, and worth it. Thank you for the lovely writing. I tend to try to escape winter, if only in my mind. I appreciate your challenge to accept it.
The light really makes ALL the difference at this time of year!