In last week’s blog, I talked about pain and poverty.
Sometimes, in a broken world, one has to take a step back and find some time for self-care and soul-care. I have found myself in that place in the last weeks, even in the midst of a full schedule, back pain which has slowed me down more than I would like, and just the busyness of life as it comes…
This Sunday, a lovely day of rest, I find myself on a day between Memorial Services. I was privileged to lead a memorial service and graveside for a family yesterday, for a gentleman I had met as a chaplain.
And tomorrow we will remember five more lives at a Memorial Service I hold for the Seniors Residence that is next to the hospital where I work.
It is always a sacred privilege to share in people’s lives, to remember lives lived, and to comfort those who mourn.
It is good to rest in between. Perhaps that is partly why I love going back to Mitford… because there I am in love with a Parish Priest named Father Tim… who is as human as I am, who loves his parishioners, who seeks God with all his heart. Of course it is the fictional book series I am referring to, starting with “A Home in Mitford” written by the talented Jan Karon.
This is the third time I have “escaped” to Mitford, and I find as I read, I relax, I laugh, I feel at home, and I delight in the goings on of this little town with all it’s wonderful characters.
Reading has always been a great escape for me, and even though I value and have a read a variety of books: inspirational, challenging, devotional, and yes educational, I do delight in a wonderful novel that inspires me. Some of my favourites include the Anne of Green Gables series, Great Expectations by Charles Dickons, and some of my other favourite authors include Angela Hunt and Lynn Austin.
Almost every room in our house has a bookshelf, all brimming with books. Every once in a while I try to weed it out, but it often feels like I’m discarding old friends. I do have a kindle I use… great on holidays… but there is truly something about sinking into a chair and turning the pages that I absolutely love.
So today, on this season changing day, with autumn hanging in the air, a pot of soup on the stove, my hubby’s music playing in the background, you’ll find me in Mitford. It truly is a wonderful rest, something to enjoy regularly!
And I’d love to hear from you… what is your favourite book, or a favourite way to escape?
