a few years ago i was talking to a friend about our Advent preparations.  i told him i felt like the novice master or abbot at a monastery.  it was my job, my obedience to educate these eager–but green–monks.  my job to create an atmosphere where prayer + work could live side by side.  as the years pass, this metaphor grows more and more apt!  so as we launch into a new homeschooling year, as the tide is rising + the moon coming full, here are two quote from Penelope Wilcock’s novel of monks and healers finding their work called The Breath of Peace.

“I think I may not have the stature of spirit for what I’ve taken on in this obedience.”

“Nay, neither you nor any man!” Tom responded stoutly.  “That’s why we pray.”

::

I had an irrational, unquenchable hope that I could find my way to something of blessing, something I could believe in.  And I had this vision of what a home could be, a hearth of loving kindness, a place of shelter, and affirmation…and peace.