Today was our first day back to home school since the "plague" hit my house last weekend, and I am grateful we are all well. I am also grateful we are back on track. I hate to admit it, but I am a creature of habit. My girls and I do best when we are on a routine. I wish I could be the creative, whimsical, free-spirited "unschooling" type of Mom but alas I AM NOT. Blame it on 12 years of parochial school or 3 years in the United States Army, or 2o years in corporate America, but I like my schedule.
In the search to find balance in my life, I know that maintaining rituals are important. For me, it is waking up before my children do and spending some time with God. I have a cup of my favorite coffee, Eight O'Clock Colombian, with half and half. I am wrapped in a big white cotton terry cloth robe. Funny, my Father did the same thing with a cup of coffee, his big robe, his Bible and a book of prayer. In fact, when he died he asked to be buried with all of things. I think it gave him a sense of comfort, and I know it does for me.
In November, the start of the liturgical year, dear friends of ours sent us a subscription for the Magnificat. I have so enjoyed reading the scripture passages, the saints of the day, the beautiful songs and prayers enclosed in this small book.
Here is a pearl of wisdom from this morning's prayer:
By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies. (Isaiah 30:15b)
Do you have a favorite morning ritual?
My time is *not* in the morning. At.all. My mother-in-law is here to help around the house with the new baby(like she has after each of our new babies came home), and I think she's surprised every time how little we talk in the mornings. All of our conversation is purely functional in the mornings.
Since I'm such a night owl, I love to wait until everyone is asleep to pray and have my quiet time.
Posted by: Bridget | 02/08/2011 at 08:23 AM
I always make tea before heading out the door. Without it, the day just feels "off.' I also have some quiet time while making my lunch to wake up a bit before turning on the news to check the weather.
Posted by: Jennifer | 02/08/2011 at 09:36 AM
I quoted Isaiah in MY post yesterday too! Great minds... Unfortunately, I do not have a favorite morning ritual. That would imply I do the same thing every morning, and I certainly do not. It depends on how much sleep I got the night before. I love going to Mass in the morning, but can't always swing that, so I suppose my favorite ritual is getting to work on time! :D
Posted by: Julie @ The Corner with a View | 02/08/2011 at 10:07 AM
Bridget,
I am NOT really a morning person either, however I have learned I do much better if I have some quiet time before my girls get up. We are slow in the mornings, and do not start home school until 9:00 am.
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | 02/08/2011 at 11:08 AM
I am not a morning person either but I am finding the quiet of the morning refreshing. A cup of coffee, with half and half, a good book or my bible, peace and calm to begin the day.
It is good to remember: Be still and Know that I am God.
Posted by: Sharon O | 02/08/2011 at 12:24 PM