Enjoy the Journey

"Don't try to go faster than grace."---Brother Lawrence

This is something I've been learning that applies both to my own life as well as my parenting. It's easy to see how much ground needs to be covered in my (and my kids') sanctification and try to put my nose to the grindstone in order to get there. Yet, I'm realizing that such an approach is flawed in many ways.

If I'm getting there through mere determination and will power, it won't be pleasant or joyful after a very short time, and God commands that we serve Him joyfully. Also, I won't be prone to glorifying or giving thanks to God (things we're also commanded to do, I believe) because I'm doing this, thank you very much. And finally, I've learned that once I "get there" I'll just realize there's so much farther to go. God is infinitely holy, and He's the one we're seeking to imititate.

Douglas Wilson has said something to the effect of "don't hold the standard any higher than you can love." God teaches us the same way we teach our kids, "line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, there a little." Those of us with a bent toward overachieving need to remember to focus on the next step, not the next leap.

Thanksgiving reminders are always in season

"Civilization has run on ahead of the soul of man, and is producing faster than he can think or give thanks. "

---G.K. Chesterton

Spring Has Sprung

One of the blessings of owning a well established house is having lots of blooming things around that we didn't plant. Every year we thoroughly enjoy our rows of forsythia and wild plum (or sand cherry) bushes in bloom as the first sign of spring in our yard.

This Easter Just Remember . . .

"No bunny loves you like Jesus"

Rice Day

First, let me establish some context. We probably eat more rice than your average American family (especially the last year or so) because we probably have more candida issues running amuck in our household than your average American family. Yesterday we reached a new milestone, though. It was our first official McLeran Rice Day.

If we'd known ahead of time, we would have hung out banners or something, but it only started to dawn on us about noon as I was pulling out a tub of Kozy Shack rice pudding for dessert . . . to go with our leftovers lunch (which for the kids was a rice-based casserole) . . . after a Rice and Shine (rice grits) breakfast. As I started to see the culinary pattern forming in our day, I thought, "Maybe I should do something besides the fish, rice, and veggies I had planned for this evening." Then I decided to bask in the glory of the accomplishment rather than avoid it. After all, I doubt there are too many other American kids that have eaten rice at every meal and even for dessert. What a claim to fame!

Not a substitute for getting to bed on time, though!

"The best cure for exhaustion is whole-heartedness."

Anonymous

And she didn't even have children

"Life is so startling. It leaves time for little else."---Emily Dickinson