the single biggest help to ordering our days aright has been including margin as a part of our rhythm–a space for shoes to be lost + found, for people to be sick or grumpy, a little extra time just to breathe.
and really the image of the breath can be so helpful here: in and out. a time for stillness + motion. a time for quiet + noise. a time for solitude + togetherness. a time for being + doing. a time for rest + action.
as you plan for both actions, Advent can become a time of real rest and preparation instead of an endless bunch of obligations that leave you harried, ready for Christmas to be finished before the baby’s even come.
Really, kort, do you know how gifted you are in writing about these areas? So much wisdom and such evidence that you have lived this. I hope you will continue.
gah! i so appreciate your kind words. you know it was from a link at your place that i came across the idea of cleaning up the kitchen as i cooked. a revelation! but really? the sound of my own oh-so-organized voice makes me cringe a little ; )
welcome to blogging. *hee* the horrible reality that your “Hey! that worked (once)!” ideas are forever going to be held against you by complete strangers. 🙂 Just kidding. Honestly…it’s great that you are sharing! All of us are half inspiration and half actuality anyway, right? These posts are absolutely terrific and they are helping me!