I’ve noticed how “noise” occupies most spaces and places. The roads, subways, cities, farms, and even our minds. I cannot forget the joyful howls and painfully loud cries of family life. How the thoughts invade like an aircraft soaring in the sky. Saint Paisios referenced thoughts the same way psychologists do today: ” Our soul is like an airport. Our thoughts fly like airplanes, but we do not have to let them all land.” Basically how much importance we give to a thought will fuel its fire or not.

Every so often I encourage myself to look for inspiration when I am struggling in the home, specifically, meals, children or homeschool-related. Asceticlifeofmotherhood on IG provides an abundance of clips on Orthodox family life and homeschooling. Sometimes I become overwhelmed viewing so much content the world has to offer, but I have to say, the last tip I used from her really made a difference in our morning the very first day!

Morning tea steeping slowed all of us down, rather than rushing around. We sat around the table, made our tea the way we liked it and showed some gratitude, written or oral, including myself. We usually have “morning time” reads around the table, but this made it more pleasant. I am excited to do it again tomorrow.

During a usual morning appointment, I introduced my almost seven year old to a manual juicer, some oranges (whatever the smaller ones are called), and a glass pitcher. He was busy squeezing and was satisfied with the results, somewhat. He saw how little juice came from all the hardwork his little hands put in. He ran to me excited to share that he had saved me some.

Our family has started a little garden out in the community. My husband planted with the boys, and I am so happy to see them loving beauty and simplicity.

Very grateful for the times we can pause and see pure joy. Oh, and happy seven years of marriage to us!