I wasn't halfway up the driveway when I realized it was misting out. Heavily. The gray skies hung low and looming, a damp chill had descended, and it struck me that a morning walk was truly a miserable idea. So, ever looking for excuses, I turned right around and headed back inside.
Truth is, I really didn't want to stride vigorously. I wasn't all that into stretching my muscles or getting the blood flowing briskly through my veins. The cry of my heart was to simply be still. To stay indoors.
And feather my nest.
It wasn't long til the sneakers were off and the fluffy slipper socks on. My favorite vanilla Yankee Candle lit and glowing, Pandora set to instrumental praise sending out a message of peace. A mug of tea was brewing, all steaming and flavored with herbs and honey. I sipped as I picked up the phone and checked in with my mom.
And then I began to putter.For there were sheets and quilts that needed to be pulled up and smoothed out, pillows fluffed and arranged just so. Clothes that needed to be hung up the right way. And clean wash that needed to be tucked away into half empty dresser drawers.
Dishes awaited their trip to the dishwasher and counters needed to be rediscovered under random piles carelessly strewn. Bathrooms awaited a wipe down and floors desperately needed to be reacquainted with the vacuum.
Books and receipts and mail, the week's accumulated odds and ends, begged to be tended to. There was dinner to consider, emails to answer, posts to read. And one to write.
Feathering is this counselor's therapy.
Puttering around as I care for our nest speaks peace to somewhere deep inside. Doing so in solitude and silence restores my energy - physically, mentally, emotionally.
I do love a rainy day at home. And it is in this movement through the most routine of tasks, in the sacred handling of the simple daily chores, that He restores my soul.
I feel His pleasure.
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< elation
release >
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welcoming friends of
I LOVED this, Linda. I could just picture you puttering around your new little coastal abode. And yes, there's still a twinge of envy in my heart--not that I'd ever want to deprive you or Tim of this extraordinary next chapter, but perhaps God would bless us with a home next-door to yours? ha! Now THAT would be a miracle. Well, maybe just a nice little second visit will be the ticket for us! Because you know that I am going to visit you again one day, girlfriend! Blessing to you and all of your daily "feathering!"
ReplyDeleteI just love puttering! And to have you move next door? Be still my heart. What fun we'd have together ... and maybe some kind of collaboration in our work? Too cool!
DeleteLet us know when you're in the neighborhood again, friend. I'm gonna hook you up to a great realtor!
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Yes, those quiet moments of puttering are good for the soul. For this soul. It's nice to consider that sacred work. Thanks Linda.
ReplyDeletePuttering as sacred work. Yes, yes, Debby! When all is said and done, gratitude in the midst of the dailyness of life's tasks gives Him glory.
DeleteAnd that I love!
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Hey, let me put the tea kettle on, and I'll join you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cozy post, but more than that -- it's a reminder that God is pleased with us. Period. Not WHEN, not IF, not ONLY. Resting in His salvation and grace is lovely -- like the scent of that candle.
Every kitchen needs a tea kettle, yes? And I love that we can visit together, even from afar. Thanks for sharing this cozy morning with me, Michele!
DeleteI'm delighted that you've dropped by ...
I love puttering too. I need to take more time to do it because there is great value in it, not just for the physical things we accomplish, but for what it does for us on the inside too. Thanks, Linda!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how all that we do impacts who we are deep within, huh? It sure speaks to the truth that we're fearfully and wonderfully made ...
DeleteAnd over the years, I've grown to love most {not all!} of the little tasks that come with homekeeping ...
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PLEASE--send that rain this way!
ReplyDeletePeace & Joy Today, Friend!
How 'bout last evening's snow / sleet squall?
DeleteYIKES!
When my world blows up, like it's done recently, I always reach for my Bible. Secondly, I pull up your posts. It's like coming home to a warm hug. Thank you, Linda..................
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that things have become so unsettled, Val. If you need to talk, you know how to reach me ...
DeleteI'm praying for you right now, even as we speak.
Ah, everyone has a different way of hearing the quiet whispers--I find them on my solitary walks and runs (I ignore the weather). I must have more of an osprey's nest than a hummingbird's nest, because I don't the urge to 'feather' it very often--for me, it's a learned discipline ;).
ReplyDeleteAn osprey's nest ... that's cute!
DeleteI could learn alot from you, Anita, for I completely let the weather dictate any and all outdoor activities!
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Vanilla candles and herbal tea, I can smell the aromas of your abode by sea, and see a bit of your heart, friend. A rainy day would be lovely, and is far too over due for us here in south Texas. Your words calmed my spirit this morning. Thank you, friend.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much what Lulu said earlier today ... send the rain! We need it here for new trees we've planted ... it saves hauling the hose around for hours.
DeleteI'm glad that visiting here was a calming experience for you, friend. Hang in there ... we've got less than 2 weeks to go!!
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So well said, Linda! Too often we fail to nourish our own souls, minds, and spirits. I LOVE how you nurtured yours and what you shared.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love to you.
You've encouraged me today, Pam ... just by your presence here. Thank you!
DeleteLinda, your words make me miss snow days that turned into unexpected cleaning days. No snow days in Florida, but still God graces me with afternoons of clearing out closets and uncluttering my soul. Sweet blessings, friend. : )
ReplyDeleteOhhh, you'll love tomorrow's post, Crystal! Hint, hint ... it involves clearing out closets!
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There's always something to do in the house isn't there? Personally, I believe in the motto: Never leave to tomorrow what you can do the day after that.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many things you can leave for the day after that if you put your mind to it.
God bless.
Now THAT'S funny, Victor! I'm a master at putting things I don't want to do off as long as possible. Maybe I've met my match!
DeleteYou've brighten up the place around here, even from so far across the seas ...
You know ... we have a big notice in our house. It says: "This house is often cleaned from top to bottom. Pity you've visited on a day it is not!"
DeleteAnd to drive the point home; we have a mat at the door so visitors can wipe their feet before they go out.
God bless.
You cracked me up over and over again today, man! I hope you'll continue dropping in and sharing your laughter with us!
DeleteWe so need to share life's joyful moments ...
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There truly is something special about putting around in our own homes on these cool autumn days. I just loved your photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne! Let's hear it for toasty flannel sheets, wonderful old quilts ... and an electric blanket! Brrr ... it's cold here on the east coast!
DeleteGod is good to let us putter when we need to. Your morning sounds complete in my mind. Lovely thoughts today!
ReplyDeleteYep, these are my favorite mornings, for sure ...
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Now I just have to tamp down the jealousy because I would have given almost anything this morning to have your kind of morning. Instead I taught roomfuls of students who felt just like me! We made it though, and now I get to read and ponder! Love your descriptions!
ReplyDeleteYay! You made it through the school day. My hat's off to you, Carol, and all those other teachers out there {shout out to my son-in-law!} that are making a difference in the lives of the next generation!
DeleteMay tonight be restful and rejuvenating for you ... and thanks for taking the time in a busy day to join the conversation here.
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteI could feel those fluffy socks on my feet and smell the vanilla from your candle as I read....I get it...there is something restorative about "feathering the nest."....Blessings to you, my friend :-)
I love that word 'restorative,' Dolly ... all I can think of is 'He restores my soul.' And maybe this is yet one more way He chooses to do that healing work.
DeleteThrough the dailyness of our tasks ...
Your wisdom shines through, friend ... I am grateful you're here!
Now, I want a rainy day so I can putter. There is something cozy about a rainy day indoors. Hope your week is blessed!
ReplyDeleteRain, snow, whatever! It's sure to come along, sometimes when we least expect it!
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yes! beautiful! it is in the daily tasks we find peace...
ReplyDeletePeace, gratitude, purpose, rest. Even in the feathering. Love it!
DeleteEven while working and puttering, this concept of rest and being content while "feathering the nest" is absolutely beautiful. Thankful to stop by from the #RaRalinkup.
ReplyDeleteHow gracious your words are this morning, Stephanie. So glad you've joined the conversation!
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Goodness Miss Linda I know just how you feel...! And I thought I was the only one. Thanks for the vivid pictures your words painted. Finally I can explain this need to nest to my husband by showing him your post...haha! And I love those Yankee candles...!
ReplyDeleteYou heard my heart! I'm so glad you've stopped in to visit ... you encourager, you ...
DeleteWelcome!
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Linda, This post was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI need to adopt your therapy type attitude towards everyday housework. :-)
Thank you for your example of finding God in the daily work of the home. You certainly set the stage to welcome Him. :-)
Karen ... yep, all this feathering is good therapy for body and soul ... and often yet another way for gratitude to overflow. We've been so deeply blessed!
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