GC and I have struggled lately with going to church. Not on a philosophical level, but for seeming lack of time. Our weeks really take it out of us, so jammed packed are they with work, functions, appointments, and general socializing, not to mention the normal stuff like making sure the bathrooms are clean and the trash gets taken out. When the weekend does comes, Saturday is typically a continuation of the week with more events, leaving Sunday as our day to unplug (a.k.a. sleep in).
I never thought it possible, but I managed to marry someone who over schedules more than I do. GC's eagerness to experience everything he possibly can drives him to make an epic number of plans and commitments. Not to complain, most of those things are great opportunities and we have a lot of fun, but it doesn't leave a whole lot of time for rest and contemplation, two activities I find essential to maintaining my sanity.
We've both decided though, that with Easter upon us, quite possibly the most important holiday of our mutual faith, we're going to recommit to, "resting in the Lord" as my dad would say. We'll make it a constant in our lives and instead of viewing a morning service as burden, we'll rejoice that we can worship freely.
As for Earth Day, I don't tend to need a reason to care for my home planet. I'm one of those weirdos that's always felt a very real and tangible connection to the Earth and her seasons. That's not to say I cry and it rains (though that would be pretty freakin' awesome, just God help the world in my moments of wrath!) but I feel connected to the flow, to the predictable unpredictability of the rains and the growth, the storms and the calm seas, tide in tide out, sunrise sunset.
Recycling is second nature to me and I get frustrated when I hold an item in my hands and can find no place or way to recycle or reuse it. But I still try, often putting questionable items into our single stream container, because I just can't bear to put it in the trash, and recreating otherwise rundown objects into functional household items.
Despite being conscious of my impact, there are always ways you can do better. Case and point, last night as I scrubbed the shower, I held a container up to the shower head to gather some water for pouring onto the bath walls. I was shocked to see how quickly my 3-cup container filled! So, my new effort will be in reducing my water consumption for non-hydrating activities like doing the dishes, taking showers etc. We're blessed in this country with abundant sources of fresh water, I don't want to abuse the gift. Tomorrow, I'll head to the hardware store and grab a low-water faucet to replace the (soon to be recycled) current model. It's all about keeping her the blue planet!
So how about you? What steps are you going to take, today and moving forward, to live a more mindful existence? Maybe the first step is just letting the sun hit your face and allowing thankfulness for its warmth to flow through you. Then, capture that warm, grateful spirit and carry it with you into the world. It's funny how the more of that spirit you share, the greater your capacity to feel it yourself. Remember your blessings, and share them on this day of remembrance.
Be well.
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