Jennifer Groft

FOR TODAY

Outside my window… The leaves are rustling in the trees. So may birds are singing. The sun is out and the breeze is cool.

I am thinking… about the holidays. Christmas lists and the Christmas budget are very much on my mind.

I am thankful… for the health and the vehicles to keep up with this crazy life!

In the kitchen… there are dirty dishes, a range of foods that aren’t quite enough for a meal, and lots of Halloween candy. But there is also some yummy, healthy soup stock brewing!

I am wearing… workout clothes – ready to go for some personal training.

I am creating… lots of beautiful rosaries in preparation for Christmas time.

I am going… to the gym, to pick up kids, to church later to help with RCIA.

I am wondering… how this year got so out of hand!

I am reading…  Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, very slowly, a tiny piece at a time, and A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five. The Game of Thrones books seem never ending, but I know I am going to be super sad when I am all done.

I am hoping… the by the time I slog through this one the 6th book will be out. And I am really, really hoping our house will sell this week.

I am looking forward to… quiet time to write and pull my thoughts together.

I am learning… about viruses and how they work as I listen to The Great Influenza by John Barry on Audible.

Around the house… there are still too many boxes to be unpacked. I’m annoyed with myself, both for owning this much stuff and for not bothering to put it where it goes.

I am pondering… how the simplicity of what needs to be done never seems to translate into being able to just go and do it. When it boils down to it, that is what must happen, but I am always looking for a better how. Then again, I know I use that as an excuse for not acting – I always have to do a bit of research on it first. Procrastination and perfectionism go hand in hand in my muddled brain.

A favorite quote for today… With All Souls day being yesterday, I was reminded of the quote from C.S. Lewis:

Our souls demand purgatory, don’t they? Would it not break the heart if God said to us, “It is true, my son, that your breath smells and your rags drip with mud and slime, but we are charitable here and no one will upbraid you with these things nor  draw away from you. Enter into the Joy.”? Should we not reply, “With submission, sir, and if there is no objection, I’d rather be cleansed first.” “It may hurt, you know.” – “Even so, sir.”

One of my favorite things… peeking into my children’s room after they are asleep.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Far too much! Personal training, three times to ballet, gymnastics, boys choir, the dentist, the doctor, two field trips – little kids, so I am accompanying, then lots of extra masses for my husband this weekend as he subs for another parish. It will definitely be a week to grab down time when I can.

A peek into my day… Lunches, always lunches to pack.

Thank you to SimpleWoman for hosting this link up!