Aug 01 2008
Entertaining Strangers…and Painting
Folks, I really have to take a break from the Haven for a while – family obligations, home repairs and all that. But, God willing, I’ll see you in a few weeks (if you still remember me by then, sob, sob). Oh, I know the truth of it. You’ll miss Merton more than you’ll miss me!
Take good care of yourselves!
Of course, we will miss you BOTH! However, if we start feeling the “hole” in our hearts expanding, for want of some renewed contact w/either of you, all we have to do is look up an old blog…or pick up one of his books… When an old friend has left their imprint on our hearts, they are really only a thought, a heartbeat or a prayer away. You may rest assured that you will be in our prayers, my friend.
(I have often wondered HOW you ever find the immense amt of TIME that this blog must require of you….not to mention the energy! The only answer that comes to mind is that you must be doing it FOR HIM, as an act of love, praise & devotion…. For some reason, it just came to mind what we were reading in Acts Chapter 16 yesterday morning, about Paul & Silas, when they were thrown in stocks, in a deep, dark part of the prison….and there they were, singing praises to God! Omigosh! How amazing & wonderful is that?) Anyway, “house repairs” sounds like a pretty big “priority” to me!?!? So, by all means, go & take care of these other things, with our blessing! If ladders or hammers are involved, please use them with great caution. And, I think I can speak for the majority of us, by saying that you will NOT be forgotten! (But, I know all about dropping those little playful “hints” [ie: "sob, sob"], just to hear one of us come back with that very reply! (Was fun to be only the first of many to do so!)
(((hugs)))
P.S. (Re: your comments on Carol’s blog: now would be a good time to practice on those “multi-tasking skills”….of course, not necessarily while standing on a ladder, hammering nails….and chewing gum!)
Don’t overdo.
Carol, that doesn’t sound too good for the circulation. At least get up for coffee a couple of times…and then a couple of more times because you got up for coffee…
Well, it’s Monday, and all I can say is, darn this coffee..
Carol – How far would it be for you to do that road trip? For me, down here in “the South”, it would be a major haul. But, I could use a “real vacation”!
Maybe I could stop and pick you up on the way? 
I hope that something I have shared via email over the last few days has provided some inspiration and encouragement, while we are both missing Merton Monday’s!
“May God bless us, everyone”….
Oh well, gives me something to anticipate eagerly. Guess that makes me an eager beaver.
Thanks for stopping in to say hi, everybody. A painting bee would indeed be fun, but I haven’t even had a chance to go buy the paint yet. Guests coming and going, coming and going. I don’t think I’ve ever been to and from the airport as much as I have been this summer picking up and sending people off, plus I’ve still got to work, since it’s not myself who’s on holidays! Where is my cloister? Where is my cloister? (and don’t anybody tell me it’s in my heart, or I might just throw in the towel, or the laundry, as the case may be).
My eyebrows grew together, too, and along with the beard, I guess I won’t have to worry about a cloister accepting me. You can have mine, G. Mind the dust, tho’ –the modem attracts it.. and occasionally there is a mouse visit.. No, huh?
(You should inform these people that you were told in no uncertain terms to not overdo! Does no one listen to me??)
Oh dear, Kristin, they didn’t tell you? I’m away at Sing-Sing for a bit longer with good behaviour. Ok, a great bit longer. But thank you. I certainly can’t deny that a paintbrush in my hand is a well-wielded instrument; it’s the moving it up or down or side to side that’s the problem.
[...] to situations beyond her control (painting the house and entertaining strangers (???), Gabrielle at Contemplative Haven is taking a breather on her weekly postings of Merton quotes. In the past few days I’ve [...]
Kristin,
1) the company is fine (but a little on the monosyllabic side);
2) the only “addition” that’s going on around here are gray hairs to my head!
3) Five. Give or take.
(2) ….ah yes! Gray hairs! They are amazing, how they just “appear”, seemlingly out of nowhere!
But, in these days of “instant gratification” and “self-empowerment”, it is possible to regain control over their cruel manipulation of your hairline! If only temporarily….
Come to think of it, they say that gray hair can cause you to appear more “distinctive” and “mature”…..so, between being polysyllabic AND prematurely gray, all you would need would be a pair of horned-rim (horn-rimmed?) glasses, and you could easily impress anyone at the next office party!
In all seriousness, I do hope that you are having an enjoyable & memorable time, whatever (or whoever) it is that is keeping you occupied…..and away from your blog. You are missed, and being lifted up in prayer. Keep smiling…
(((hugs)))
Owen, all is well – thank you – and I hope the same in your neck of the woods.