The other day, I went to the library in search of specific books that were recommended for Therese's curriculum. I honestly should have gone searching way before we started back to schooling, but I did not. I found what I needed and was about to make my way to the check-out counter, when a book spine caught my eye. It turned out to be a collection of writings of the Ingalls family. It has kindled in me a fresh spark for putting down our days not on paper, as Laura did, but here, in my own little corner of the web.
Immediately upon perusing this book, I read that their family used to have a circulating letter among family members, each one adding the news in their part of the world, and then sending it on to the next family. In these days of instant messages, facetime, etc., it would seem that this would no longer be necessary, but I disagree. There is something magical and exciting about receiving a hand-written letter in the mailbox. Before my mother-in-law passed away, we would receive a weekly letter from her with all the news of the family, along with coupons, comic strips and whatever else happened to strike her fancy that week. I miss going to the mailbox and seeing the manila envelope full of news and surprises. What if I started such a letter? Would it bring those distant in miles closer to the heart?
This morning, we gathered for Morning Time, which I have come to cherish these last months. We pray, we journal, we listen to stories, we sing. Together. Together is hard to accomplish once the day progresses. Today, we began a new story, "What Katy Did". As I read to the kids, I immediately saw part of myself in one of the characters. It was not a part of me that I am proud of, and the kids instantly recognized it too. Oh, how I have been turning this around in my heart all day!
When one sees their faults laid out so clearly in print, one wants to apologize for those faults, fix those character flaws, and then strive toward who they long to be. At least this one does.
In closing, my goal is to record more of our daily lives, those moments that I want to recall with fondness in the years to come.
Immediately upon perusing this book, I read that their family used to have a circulating letter among family members, each one adding the news in their part of the world, and then sending it on to the next family. In these days of instant messages, facetime, etc., it would seem that this would no longer be necessary, but I disagree. There is something magical and exciting about receiving a hand-written letter in the mailbox. Before my mother-in-law passed away, we would receive a weekly letter from her with all the news of the family, along with coupons, comic strips and whatever else happened to strike her fancy that week. I miss going to the mailbox and seeing the manila envelope full of news and surprises. What if I started such a letter? Would it bring those distant in miles closer to the heart?
This morning, we gathered for Morning Time, which I have come to cherish these last months. We pray, we journal, we listen to stories, we sing. Together. Together is hard to accomplish once the day progresses. Today, we began a new story, "What Katy Did". As I read to the kids, I immediately saw part of myself in one of the characters. It was not a part of me that I am proud of, and the kids instantly recognized it too. Oh, how I have been turning this around in my heart all day!
When one sees their faults laid out so clearly in print, one wants to apologize for those faults, fix those character flaws, and then strive toward who they long to be. At least this one does.
In closing, my goal is to record more of our daily lives, those moments that I want to recall with fondness in the years to come.
I love (love!) the idea of a "chain" letter. Not the chain letters we grew up with, but a chain of stories sent from one family to the next. I wish that I could get my family to go along with it. People almost never buy stamps any more -- pay all their bills online and text and email. It is sad. I really enjoyed your Christmas card with the personal, handwritten note. Kindred spirits!
ReplyDeleteKindred spirits indeed! As our time to return to the states draws closer, I am trying to plan"field trips" and hoping that one of those trips brings me close enough to allow a visit with you!
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