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There are so many layers to life. We often don’t see the work put in behind the scenes, we only observe the finished product. This year has been hard on so many, but there is still so much happening beneath the surface that we can glean goodnesses from. I love lingering on the ‘back stage’ little longer, watching the work in progress. It’s always been my favourite place. That is where we are, right now, continually pushing forward a little wobbly step at a time, with our homestead, and searching for Grace in every little moment of growth.
Our Critters Are Infusing Joy on Our Stage of Life
I am very pleased to say, our baby calf has finally returned home after a long vacation suckling milk from an adoptive mother Holstein.
He is a little thinner, to be sure, but stretched up taller and we are happy to have him home so we can nourish him proudly. Behind the scenes here, so much is happening.
The ducklings have lost nearly all of their sunny glow of youth, and have turned into fluffy adolescents sprouting awkward feathers this way and that.
The baby bunnies have shed every shadow of ‘rodent’ and gleam with an iridescence of ‘velveteen rabbit’…even the carrot coloured ones.
We did have a sad incident of a local wily creature, that our children dubbed “Foxy Loxy”, run off with two of our chickens and our brand new giant black rabbit, named “Blackberry”. Tears were certainly shed.
But we are beginning to see some promise with our trays overloading with beautiful brown eggs each morning, again.
The Threads of Summer
The threads of summer weave together a bright new hope, even when the world has swept in a summer so unlike any we have ever known.
What tumultuous winds we have all weathered this year. But with every storm, sunshine has a chance to burst through the clouds and give renewed hope.
Thankfulness Reaps a Rich Reward
I am thankful for these sweet little smiles I am continually surrounded by and the books they are cherishing at the moment, like “Black Ships Before Troy“. The imagination comes alive with wild tales and infuses mundane activities with new adventure. How privileged we are to read!
Surprise gifts from Grandparents brighten rainy days, and cause reflection during quarantine days, of how blessed we are to have them in our life.
Those daily peeks on little bunny fur and clucking poultry is a gift I do not take for granted.
My Husband arriving after another morning (and night really) on the water is the relief I hold my breath for each day.
And these sixty-three acres filled with woodland creatures and the silence of trees are something I will forever be grateful for. Also grateful for the solitude for my kids to play as loud and happily as they long to do.
Indeed, I am especially thankful for my house, which would frustrate most, with it’s half-finished siding and ongoing projects. But four of my seven babies have only known this home. And my hands have cooked innumerable meals, served with joy and exhaustion. Dishes and laundry have made mountains and laughter has filled every corner. It is the only home I have ever known and I love it like a favourite patchwork ragdoll. A smile will always smear across my face when my house comes to mind. It is a sacred place.
Truly this is a summer to be thankful for. So many would love to still be witnessing the joy at work behind the scenes of life. There is much to revel in this year. Let us hold onto hope and cling to the sunshine peeking forth.
3 Actions to Take to Make this the Best Summer Yet!
- Keep a “Thankfulness” Journal. One way to remind ourselves of the promise of hope is to return to gratitude continually, especially when days are tough.
- Be a peacemaker. When the world is edgy from all the struggles fighting their way to the surface, try to be the ‘water’ on the fire and not the gasoline. Speak kindly. Give generously. Try to understand someone with a different perspective. And love profusely.
- Ideas for Fun!
-Bike to your favourite place and have a picnic.
-Re-Create date night each week, with your spouse, outside under the stars.
-Blow Bubbles like a kid….or with the kids.
-Get a furry friend…they really are amazing mood boosters.
-Send a “Care Package”. The best way to escape our own downcast feelings of ‘world pandemic” is to reach out to others in need. Helping others smile, indefinitely gives our heart a smile.
-Take too many pictures and bombard your newsfeed. It is for you anyways!
-Start exercising more if you do not already. Let this be a season and a year you finally discovered your “mojo” and reclaimed your health.
If You are Overwhelmed…Please Reach Out.
You can learn more about our homestead HERE.
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