For just one little minute she almost wished that Pa was a railroad man. There was nothing so wonderful as railroads, and railroad men were great men, able to drive the big iron engines and the fast, dangerous trains. But of course not even railroad men were bigger or better than Pa, and she did not really want him to be anything but what he was.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder, By the Shores of Silver Lake
And therein lies contentment. Allowing those in your life to be exactly who they are, without wishing them to be somebody better or somebody bigger or just somebody else.
It’s letting your house be what it is, your yard too, and even yourself, with all the imperfections, and allowing those who would befriend you to befriend the real you. I admit I am not always very good at any of it, but I feel the need this morning, more than ever, to try.
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
Sometimes, just for a moment, I wish that my life would have been different. But then, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Thank you dear friend ~ this is what I needed to hear just today!
maria
Maria, I find it so easy to dwell on things I wish I could go back and change, and then I remind myself that I did the best I could in the moment and that’s all I can continue to do. It’s hard some days though.
Lynn
Your blog is a peaceful spot for me. It relaxes me as I “stroll” through your garden and check on the bunnies.
Thank you!
What a beautiful reminder Lynn and one I needed to hear today. I appreciate your blog and how you share you heart!
It’s been too long since I’ve visited your little corner of the web. I’m so sorry about Oreo’s accident, but it is wonderful to know that she is healing and receiving the best of care.
I like the changes you have made, and the inclusion of bunnies. And as a fellow lover of little birds, I enjoyed your pictures of your indoor birds immensely.
Much love~
…and trying we will do, as it’s faithfulness we’re called to- not successes counted. Good work, friend over the miles.
PS~ we just bought the Little House series for Christmas…I’m not sure if it’s for the boys or myself. Would you consider sharing some books you and your boys loved?
Carol, thank you so much.
Thanks Jennifer. I love the school and family ideas you share.
Missy, I’m so glad you popped in for a visit. I, too, find it hard to visit all of my friends’ blogs, but love it when I get the time.
Amanda, I’ll have to think about the boys’ books idea, and yes I’d be glad to share. It’s been so long, there are things that come instantly to mind, but then other things that are slowly coming back that I’d forgotten about.
Dear Lynn,
Your words bring peace to my churning mind and soul. It is so amazing how God designed words to have the power of life and death. Thank you for allowing your heart to spill over in words of life- words to soothe- words to let go of what ifs and to encourage contementment.
I wrote you a month or so ago and asked about working and homeschooling as I am a single mother who works part-time and schools my 9 year old daughter 3 days per week at home. Thank you for the reply you left. I appreciate it.
Since you are reading The LIttle House Series, I wanted to share our journey with those. My daughter became immersed in Laura Ingalls Wilder when she was five years old. For the past four years, she has played Laura, lived Laura and continues to play dress-up, etc. I began to dream of seeing where Laura grew up etc. God let these dreams come to pass and for 2 years in a row (2007 and 2008), Annie (my 9 year old) and I went to Walnut Grove, Minnesota and DeSmet, SD for a pilgramage to see where Laura and her family traveled and grew up. Plum Creek is basically untouched and very quiet and non-touristy. You can see where the dugout was and Annie swam in Plum Creek for over 4 hours. It was delightful, looked for the old crab. The table stone is there. DeSmet is amazaing! It is where she lived and wrote four of her books about. The house that Pa built is so lovely and can be toured. We stayed in a bed and breakfast (Prairie House Manor) that was owned by Banker Ruth who was mentioned in The Long Winter. It was amazing! The rooms were lovely, the pancake man was served for breakfast with the story told along with it from Little HOuse in the Big Woods and we made so many friends along the way. Very family oriented, small town. Both Walnut Grove and DeSmet have outstanding pageants about Laura’s life and family. It was a beautiful mother-daughter trip that will be sealed to our hearts forever. Thanks for letting me share this since you and Princess are enjoying the books.
Blessings,
Ashley
Lynn, you have such beautiful, deep thoughts. I am so glad you share them with us, encouraging us to stop and think about the things that matter. I’ve read that book many times and never stopped to think about those words. Thank you.
Jenn
Ashley, thank you so very much for your kind words. I know it’s a challenge to work and homeschool, even if the work is just part time. I loved what you said about your pilgrimage to see the places where Laura lived and wrote. I would love to do that. LOVE it!! It gives me hope that Michaela and I could do that. I think I’ll put it on my list of things I’ll try very hard to do!
Jenn, thank you so much. I enjoy reading other blogs as well and am very encouraged by them, yours included.
Lynn
I wish I could come to your house and spend an afternoon.
-Phyllis
And I would love for you to spend an afternoon, Phyllis.
Love you friend – the real you. (((Lynn))) I don’t find anything at all about you that isn’t real. I’m thankful for you and for the ability to be real with you too. You are a treasure!