This time at home has gifted me new levels of gratitude, creativity, and reality. I’ve found joy in ‘where’ and ‘who’ I am now, while making peace with what challenges and triumphs have yet to come. I wake up, work, laugh, cry, cleanse myself, and replenish all in one place now. I appreciate the safety and possibility that rests in these homes, my body and my house. I’ve developed deeper respect for those spaces, ensuring each is equipped to best serve me.
During the first three months or so of quarantine, I imagined my peace was unshakable. By the time autumn came I was breathing differently. Apprehensive about my future and all the opportunities I might miss, I was reminded of God’s unfailing authority. More and more I focused on peace as a gift and a practice, easily had when life feels upright, severely missed when it doesn't. And so I chose to recall peace and maintain it in the midst of disarray. Even through tragedy and heartbreak, that choice is becoming easier.
My favorite way to unwind at home is different almost every time. It can vary between getting lost in a good fiction novel or documentary, making flower arrangements, or cooking. I recently learned how to bake white, buttery loaves of bread so I get one of those together whenever I feel led. When that happens, the bewitching scent of freshly baked bread swims through my home, coats the walls from floor to ceiling, and is absolutely delicious. Each of these activities is enjoyed with a Korean sheet mask, a glass of water, or cup of tea. I'll throw in a glass of wine every now and then for good measure.
To make home more enjoyable I keep a variety of flowers around the house.
