Five of My Favorite Things – A Writing Exercise in Reflection, Noticing, and Just Plain Fun

1. I love British television!

I recently started watching The Crown, my new favorite show. I may be a late start, but I’m a convert. I love everything about this show – the cinematography – picture shots of stone castles in the midst of deep London fog, rich characters from real life, history amidst royalty, I’m loving it all.

An odd side note about British television, sitcoms particularly, they choose middle aged women who look like middle aged women to play those parts. As a 50-some old woman I appreciate this. My favorite British actress of a certain age – Dame Judy Dench.

 

2. God answers prayer.

Of course, I’ve known this for a long time, yet the truth is fresh as I’ve seen some long term prayer requests answered. I’ve tried a special prayer habit I read about in Catherine Marshall’s book “Adventures in Prayer”. She advises writing long term character type prayers for loved ones on egg shaped papers and tucking them away, perhaps in the back of your Bible, then waiting for a year or more, and see what happens. God has birthed beauty out of some of the requests I left in His care several years ago.

3. Which brings me to my next epiphany, my favorite character trait is – kindness!

This truth has become evident as we sent our daughter across the country to graduate school this past fall and she’s experienced kindness at every turn. It brings me to tears. I didn’t realize that was what I most wanted for her. It matters. Now I’m noticing the Bible verses which extol God’s loving-kindness. All I can say is – ‘I get it!’.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name….
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” Psalm 103 (excerpts)

 

4. The Growing of a Family is a Sweet Thing.

I’m a big fan of family. Another, not so new thought, but it’s coming to mind frequently as I’m watching my daughter, hubby, their 2 year old son, with their new baby and  I’m awed by the process of growing a family.

It’s not just in the addition of a wee one – it’s in the growing of a sweet mama and a proud daddy. People are growing into new roles and expanded roles – expectations are growing, love is multiplying – there is always enough, it’s like manna from heaven, it shows up, daily.

Family develops in a multitude of ways – a fellowship family, family of friends – so many beautiful ways families are ‘birthed’. The growing of a family is not to be missed – it’s a sweet thing.

5. Two cups of coffee is probably enough….

Can you sense my hesitation? It’s an exercise, really. A discipline that starts in my mind with an ‘I can do this’ attitude, followed by my hands only brewing two cups of Keurig. Why do I always want one more?

I come from a long line of serious Norwegian coffee drinkers – the pot was always brewing and a cup was always within reach. I feel like I am denying my heritage with this one, but my genetic pool seems weakened, since I hit ‘a certain age’ (hint: middle!) my coffee began waking me up around midnight. So, sleep deprivation is my motivation. Enough, should be, enough. Right?

These lessons seem to be reappearing ones. Philosopher George Santayana has said “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it“. Avoiding doom seems a good reason for me to continue regular reflection practices, though i’ll admit sharing some of my favorite things is reason in itself.

Come join Emily’s ‘What I’m Learning’ posts,,  and Holley’sCoffeeforYourHeart