So much to be thankful for!

The break has melted away, as breaks tend to do. Loved ones have come and gone, thankfully without any sickness or travel disruptions. Food was bought, prepared, cooked, and enjoyed. Conversations had, books read, (my dad read through James Herriot’s Dog Stories that he found on our shelf; mom started a book on kindle I had recommended—one I have not read but which I knew would interest her—Yet in the Dark Streets Shining: A Palestinian Story of Hope and Resilience in Bethlehem), more food was bought, prepared, cooked, and enjoyed, house cleaned, clothes washed, more groceries bought, hikes taken, more conversations had. All in all, I have all of these things and so much more to give thanks for. As Omicron set in mid December and seemed to intensify as Christmas approached, I was leary that I might pass sickness on to my aging parents. But that did not happen and we enjoyed a fairly “normal” holiday celebration.

Now, I am on the tail end of my (much needed) break from work. I teach in an urban district that has a large Latino population, the dominant religion being Christianity. Every year, the district takes off Three Kings Day, or Epiphany. I am grateful for this, not only because that means an extra day off making easing back into the swing of things just a bit easier, but also because it allows me to take a little extra time to focus on this meaningful day on the Christian calendar. I have never done so, but I would like to. What can I learn and apply to my life? What hidden treasures lie within this particular day on the calendar? Since I started attending a liturgical church, I have slowly developed a desire to go slow and deep—to glean from my brothers and sisters of the faith throughout history who have given much time and thought to spiritual tradition and formation. Perhaps I will devote this coming Thursday to this endeavor. Can I resist the pressure to “get things done”? I will let you know how it goes and what I find out.

Aside from all of the family gatherings, I’ve had the opportunity to be refreshed by my feathered friends. A few days ago, I lugged my heavy camera and tripod out into the field after seeing a hawk perched in the large oak. By the time I got out there, she had flown into a distant tree. I got to see my usual friends and take a few pics; took note of which species were nearby using my Merlin sound app; and generally soaked up the soothing sights and sounds of nature. 

I’m still disappointed that my images are not very sharp. I need to read up more on how to use my camera, but just cannot seem to find the time. One day…